This beautiful view was, to me, a sign that I am in the right place, doing what I am supposed to do. It was taken at 5:30 in the morning at the Grande Island Resort in Subic, where the family spent the weekend to celebrate the 42nd birthday of my sister Blanche.
It was the promise I made to her before I flew back to Norway last January. I promised her that I would come back and spend her birthday with her. And I did just that. Seven months ago we weren't even sure that she would make it. Now, she is almost back to normal and responding very well to chemotheraphy.
How refreshing it was to be able to get away from the city even for a short while and get some sun, sea and sand. We were really lucky with the weather! There were, of course, bouts of thunderstorms typical during this time of the month. But the times when we were out on the beach the sun was shining and the temperatures were really pleasant.
It's times like these spend with the family that makes everything worthwhile. The sacrifices I made and the things I gave up seem insignificant. Seeing my family on a daily basis, seeing them smile, talking with them face to face, these things are priceless.
I am glad that it is not all just sadness and worries. The family is doing well and we all still get to smile and laugh despite the tumultuous start of the year and the events that have transpired. Sometimes I feel it's very easy to be complacent and pretend that everything is ok. Sometimes I just have to give myself a gentle slap in the face and remind myself why I am here. I have a sister who is suffering from cancer. Even though things look very good right now we still do not know until the doctor's examine her again. So we still have to live every moment and cherish every minute of the day we spend with her. But then again, we should be cherishing every moment we spend with our loved ones, sick or not, don't you think?
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