Grateful at 40
I still can't believe that I already turned 40 years old a week ago. Without sounding too proud or boastful, I get a lot of compliments that I don't look like my age, meaning I appear younger than my real age. Thanks to those who give that nice comments about my appearance.
For my milestone birthday this year, I did not want a fabulous party. I wanted it to be the most memorable birthday get-away ever with my husband and kids. See, since 2015, we always try to celebrate my birthday somewhere and make memories with our kids. And for this year, we planned to visit Hongkong after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the said top tourist destination in Asia.
At first, I only wished for a good weather on my birthday since we will be spending it at Disneyland, and I don't want us to have a hard time exploring the attractions when it rains. However, a few days before our departure, my older son had mild cough and that became a worry on our part if that will be a ground for not being able to enter Hongkong. We told our son to hold his coughing at the airport, on the airplane, and while the Immigration Officer was scrutinizing our passports. Thank God, everything went smoothly, and we were able to carry out all our plans and itinerary in Hongkong, that including the 18th birthday party and graduation of my husband's eldest niece who lives permanently in HK.
On the exact dy of my birthday, I received greetings from family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who remembered my special day. I felt all the love from their heartfelt wishes and birthday messages which are truly priceless and more significant than material gifts. My husband and I also realized that, compared to a few years back when we struggled financially because of our small business, we are now in a better place because God never stopped providing for us and protecting our family.
Being able to go on an international trip with my family for the first time is truly a very memorable experience. We enjoyed the luxurious amenities of a hotel in Disneyland, which my family and I will surely not forget. As the Disney movie Inside Out shows, we created a "core" memory in our kids that we hope they will cherish for as long as they can.
The highlight of the Disneyland visit was the Momentous Nighttime Fireworks and Lights Show, and the theme song "Love the Memory" clearly portrays the feeling I had as I celebrated my 40th birthday that I cried out of gratefulness and happiness for all the blessings I received through the years. A portion of the song goes:
What came before us and what's yet to come Memories we made with the ones that we l ove
Keep them alive in our hearts, so they live on and on
[ Chor us]
Time's always moving, we can't slow the hands Won't last forever, but we won't forget Families we love and the friends that we met Just live the moment and love the memory Take in the moment
Look all round, this is your life
Make every minute count in time
At 40, I am thankful to God for keeping me safe, happy, and blessed beyond measure. I will always make every minute count, live the moment, and always love the memory.