I was talking to a friend in the Philippines. She told me a story. She was looking down the road and saw an old man pushing cart. The cart most like likely full of odds and ends, bric-a-brac, probably scavenged from the street. The guy looked like he was probably in his 80's maybe even his 90's. But the sad fact was that this guy probably didn't have a roof to sleep under, much less a bed to sleep on. This is a sad, but common fact of life in the developing world.
This kind of puts things in perspective. The troubles of one man, truly does not amount to a hill of beans in comparison to the woes of the world. In face of even the most personal of heartaches, one must look to what we are most grateful for. This list will be incomplete, naturally, as the list would go on forever. But at this point in time, let me look at what I am grateful for.
These are what I have been blessed with:
My Parents. The journey has been rough at times, but they have always been there. More than just their love, they gave me their respect. One day I hope to do something that they can look upon as truly worthwhile, be it a best selling novel, or just remembering to take out the trash.
My Elder Brother. We have gone to extremes growing up. He was my hero growing up and still bails me out at times. He may be the better football player, but I still can drill the three pointer better. He still tells me like it is. Sometimes you need that.
My sister in law. Because she makes my brother happy. And she makes this family all the more fun.
My elementary friends. Six years of growing up together. Still fond memories and they still make time.
My high school friends. The highs and lows of puberty, the nerdiest of educations and the worst dating record combined. Traumatising, but made some of the strongest bonds that last to this day.
My university friends. I came in a boy and left a boy, but ready to become the man I was meant to be. But you helped me find the person inside. Even if I still lose sight of that person.
My other family. The circle of friends that keeps on growing. To those here, those not, those long forgotten and those yet to come.
My house. Actually, the one here and the two back in the Philippines. Keeps us warm and dry at night.
My Books and comic collection. I can still read them and be enthralled over and over again. I can travel through time, space and worlds, even for a while.
My PC. For work and play purposes, a most excellent gadget.
My Garden. Dad put in the effort. Only now have I begun to appreciate it. Writing drafts while sitting in the swing chair is most relaxing.
My swing chair. See above.
My middle finger on my right hand. I nearly lost it. I'll talk about that one day.
My Bike. Replaced my stolen Carerra Subway, but does the job very well. Plus it saves me money in travel costs.
Every woman I ever dated. For going out on the date at all. I had to learn somehow.
Every woman I ever loved. Because it was a great kindness and I'll remember you fondly always.
My best friend who told me to leave my hand open and let the bird come to you. Sometimes it stays, sometimes it flies away.
My best friend who helped me smile this morning.
My friend who told me the story and told me to look towards what I was thankful for.
The woman who helped me start writing this blog again. Always the number one fan. All ways and always.
This blog for helping me smile.
The brunch I will eat after writing this.
And the bed I will sleep in tonight.
I am most definitely grateful. Sometimes we get blessings we don't deserve, but we need. Sometimes heartbreak is the journey of the soul, travelled alone. But there are always things to be grateful for.
Even if it is because I have a bed.
