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The past is remembered. Live in the moment. The future is in you.

108) Christmas 2017

12/26/2017

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My parents and I only celebrate Christmas by attending mass together, ever since my sister passed away in 2003. (No picture shown of us. My parents dislike taking a picture of 3 people as mere superstition.)

During this year's Christmas Eve mass, I calmly listened to the homily given by the priest.

​"A little girl gave a present (gift) to her father," the priest said. "The father opened the gift. Surprisingly, it was empty. The little girl told her father that I blew many kisses into it. This is all for you, Daddy."

​Christmas is not all about "presents." Instead, it is more about your "presence."

​After Christmas Eve mass, I spent time with my good friend and his family.

​On Christmas Day, I came back to visit him and his family.

​Picture shown of me and a few of his family members.
Picture
Later in the afternoon, I picked up (another) good friend's father along with his wife to a hotel in San Francisco. (They celebrated his birthday, and their Christmas at SF.) We ate dinner at his house.

​Video shown below.

Again, I have come to realize that it is our "presence" in the moment, not exchanging "presents."

​My dad once told me about my bonding relationship with my two good friends, and especially their families, "Son, you are a good man. You have people who care about you. I did not have this."

​I answered, "You joined the US military to start a new life at 18 years old. You escaped from a poor life in the Philippines. If it weren't for you and mom, I would not have been here."

​The past is remembered.

Most importantly, enjoy your "presence" with others, not "presents" (unless you want to).

​Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.​
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