Blessings

Just as we did a mid-year review of our expenses, it occured to me that I have forgotten to do a mid-year review of all the things we should be grateful for. After all, it is easy to lose sight of what we have and to focus only on what we don't.

Eve and I indeed have much to be grateful for, not lest the fact that we've come a long way as a couple, experiencing what has been for me, the best times of my life - spending a year in France after getting married, getting our own place, living in Singapore close to a strong family and friends network and getting to travel rather widely in the past 5 years. All these have allowed us to have quality time with each other in much richer environments and it is so common now, whether we're watching Discovery and Travel, or just talking with friends, for us to reminise on things we've done together before. Just today, Eve cooked our fav dishes of pav baji, curry chicken and chickpeas - dishes she picked up from Manisa while in INSEAD and it made me grateful not only for the fact that we had the chance to meet with great friends, but that Eve still continues her love for cooking that she only picked up while in France - albeit, now with a little bit more "distraction".

This little distration is also the shiniest light in our lives. Ever since Faith entered our lives, she has brought us countless of laughter and silent pride. From her first smiles as a baby to the hearty and innocent chuckles she gives now, from her first crawls to her first steps - everything she does amazes us. Recently, we have noticed how she has become a much better listener and communicator. When she forgets to sign "please" when she snatches something from us, all we need to do is to remind her. Just tonight, I had asked Faith to look at mummy because she had done something wrong, and she sheepishly looked at Eve across the room. When she patted Eve with too much force just now, Eve reminded her it was painful, and she patted Eve again, this time gently, with her trademark hug. It melts our hearts to see her respond to us this way because it reaffirms the fact that she is able to understand us. This opens the way for conversations, on top of play, with her.

As parents, we're only grateful that Faith has grown up as a healthy, happy and respectful child. She's really all the girl that we could have ever hoped for.

This mid-year 2008, thus, it is worth pausing a while, to remind ourselves to count our blessings. Never mind the cost increases, and the fight against inflation. Life still has its blessings that I at least, oftentimes don't remind myself enough of.