My story is very ordinary. It’s not something new. It has been retold umpteen times in a million nicely and badly written songs.
When I was growing up, I used to think that life is untarnished by life’s difficulties and struggles. When I was a kid, I don’t have to deal much with life’s problems like financial crisis and personal struggles. Though life was really hard back then, my parents did their best to provide us the basic essentials.
Back then, I’ve always thought I was a character in someone else’s book. I used to believe that life is a bed of roses. Life never seems all that real to me until I began to work for a living and had to take on some responsibilities at home at the age of twenty. That was the time that I began to realize that life is not at all easy. I failed to realize that roses have thorns. It’s when I began to wish I could be a child forever.
Yours truly at 3 years old
Children takes pleasure in simple things. Their contagious gleeful shrieks and the joy in their faces are simply a delight to behold. Their amusement is often found in the simple acts of running, walking, playing, making funny sounds and simply chuckling. They are in wondrous awe when they discover something new. Indeed, children have a pure heart and that they are unmindful of the world around them.
Today, I was absolutely absorbed in thought. As we grow older, the child in us would often be completely forgotten especially when we encounter the roller coaster ride of life. Other people’s experiences in life affirmed how complicated life can be. Somehow, their pains and struggles had affected my perceptions in life in its entirety.
I just reached home from attending a wedding. At the reception, I was able to meet a batch mate in high school. We chatted for a while. You see, we weren’t close back then but we frequently get acquainted at Facebook. I really thought she’s happily married from the photos she often shares at her FB account. By her admission, she told me a lot of unhappy experiences that she went through life. It’s so ironic that what we often see and hear is only the tip of an iceberg. People could always mask the happiest faces yet deep within them, they are in pain and suffers a great deal of hardship.
As we went out of the wedding reception and treading the long, dark path to the highway, a stranger approached me and Star. He was looking shy and obviously, he was in a desperate situation where we were the only solution he could think of. He was asking for PhP 25.00. He was neatly dressed and we just can’t believe he’s asking that amount from us. At first, Star and I were both scared. Who would have thought a stranger out of nowhere would come close and ask for some amount of money? We asked him what’s the money for. He retorted back shyly that he doesn’t have any money in his pocket to be able to get home to a neighboring town. I didn’t have any second thoughts in giving him the amount that he asked. From the look on his face and the tone of his voice, I could sense that there’s a grain of truth of what he had just confessed. How many of us have went through the same circumstance where we have to bear the brunt of shame because we had no choice? That guy’s predicament was very simple where life’s happiness is not even put on the line.
Hear more of this.
There are a lot of married couples who had to go on separate ways after long years of blissful marriage. I know of a couple from here who even celebrated their golden anniversary (Read: 50 years of marriage), yet ended up their marriage after the grand celebration. There’s also one who just ended the 32 years of unhappy marriage. So they say that marriage is not a guarantee to attain eternal bliss and happiness.
A wonderful virtual pal of mine is presently in the toughest time of her life. She had to let go of an eight-year relationship because she had no choice. It’s not that the love ceased to exist. It’s the system that we live in that made two hearts go on their separate ways. That was very painful. I deeply feel for her. She doesn’t have to tell me in so many words. When I heard her voice on the other line, I can’t help but cry and we both shed tears together for a love that never can be.
The world is becoming more and more wicked each day. The more it gets evil, the more life has become so complicated. There are a helluva lot more life’s sagas that are even more complex. It may remain unknown to all of us, yet the challenge faced may be similar at some point. We live a life that’s hardly ever perfect nor comfortable yet, the beauty of life unfolds in God’s miraculous ways. We all have our issues and struggles. It’s only up to us on how we turn the pages to the next chapter of our lives where we set sail even if we do not know yet our ports of destination.
Faith is our only compass. Wherever we are going, we sure will get there.
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Mellow Yellow Monday | Nostalgia
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This post made me cry… You nail it Lainy. People mask happy faces, but deep inside is the sorrow and pain that is kept in their hearts. I am honestly one of those. I am just thankful that God blessed me with a friend like you and Star. Your such a wonderful person, and I wanna say thank you for being there for me during my lowest low.. Love yah Lainy!
Honeybunch.
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@HONEY,
It’s normal to shed some tears, Hon. But life has to move on. You and me have our different struggles. I know you will surpass it all with flying color. Life is still beautiful and precious despite the pains. Live today as if it’s your last. After the fall must come the rise
You are most welcome, Honeybunch. One day, when I encounter the same thing that you did, I am doubly sure you will be there for me too.
Love yah too!
Hugs!
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wow, what a compelling post. don’t have to wear sad mask lately, lainy. enjoying the life even in total simplicity and for that sometimes i get jitters…
we live life in uncertainties, but, behold, there are no cul-de-sacs, whatever comes, acceptance is the key and let’s try not to forget to bring our….faith.
imriz´s last [type] ..laptop’s a history
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@imriz,
You said it, Ate Riz. Uncertainties in life may be too daunting but we have to bear in mind that there’s someone more powerful UP there who knows it best. Battling for survival is not the be-all and end-all of our existence.
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Very well said Lainy. There are also people who are very unhappy that they will try to infiltrate their unhappiness to other people.
That guy who asked you guys some money is very braved, few men do that. In fact hubby will never do that, he has so much pride in him that he would walk miles to reach his destination rather than asking anyone for money.
Salamat for the kind words you left at my blog. mwaness!
chubskulit´s last [type] ..Princesses’sky Castle
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 26th, 2011 at 8:10 am
@chubskulit,
Thank you, Rose.
Tama ka. That’s how wicked the people in this world have become.
Somehow, I admired the guy. Not too many people would eat their pride. Others would do something evil instead just to show to the world that they are ok.
You are most welcome. I hope things can be patched up in time.
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Yes you are right, Lainy. We can’t see our destination in life without Faith. that guy asking 25 pesos to you had Faith in you and when you gave him the money, I’m sure he got to his destination home. you look cute in your baby picture. when you have kids, you will think best for their lives no matter what happen to you. so while you are single, make the best of it. i happen to be single, but for a short time, but being married is the best time ever that happened in my life. i sympathize to your friend who is struggling of her marriage. life is full of challenges. there is much more than that. we think that rich people are the happiest people in the world because they are rich and little did we know they got lots of debts. debt not just monetarily, but to God. people who mention have Faith in God are his good children/people. there are lots of people these days only believe in faith (note the small “f”) but not the capital “F” of faith.
Mel Cole´s last [type] ..Memories at Clinton square park
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 26th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@Mel Cole,
Hello Mel. Thanks for being here and adding more substance to this post.
I believe single or married, we have to make the best out of our lives. But they say, being married offers a lot of challenges. That remains to be seen for me
A lot of people are actually struggling in varied aspects of their lives. But I firmly uphold that only faith will see us through.
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HI lainy, I’ve always been bitter about my fate lately lainy, becasue I know I can do more than this.. but sometimes.. even with all these… acceptance indeed is soemthing that can appease us.. and move somewhere from there… keep the faith…
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 26th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@Vernz,
Hello Mommy Vernz. Feeling a bit down and bitter about our fate actually happens to everyone. When we expect too much from our lives but we fail, it’s when disappointments and bitterness comes in.
We shouldn’t let it eat up our lives. You’re right. Acceptance is the key. God knows better and He knows what’s best for us. It’s the faith that should keep us going.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
See yah!
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Nawala akong gutom sa imong post lainy hehehe bitaw, sometimes we just have to expect the unexpected. Only GOD knows what stores for us in the future, and whatever it is we just have to accept it and be brave about it because that’s the only way to survive.
anne´s last [type] ..Nostalgia # 19 : Engagement Party
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 26th, 2011 at 8:21 am
@anne,
Haha! Maayo nalang Anne, LOL!
Yeah, God in His own perfect time will give us the best life that we so deserve. All we have to do is keep the faith, be patient and be obedient servants of God
Amen.
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we really can’t tell what’s behind the mask . I love how the child thinks and get excited for simple discoveries.
the length of relationship is not a guarantee for a never ending love story. have read quite a few stories even reach 40th anniversary and separate their ways.
mommy nuts´s last [type] ..Nostalgia #67 : The Rocks
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Lainybelle Reply:
August 28th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@mommy nuts,
Yes, that’s so true. I could only wish I could be a child forever.
The couple I knew of even separated after 50 years of being together. You’re right. The length of a relationship is indeed never a guarantee.
Thanks for being here.
See you around!
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you so nailed it, Sis. but life is really that complex and I guess that makes living a lot more challenging. after all, without challenges, it’s like we stop living. It’s just that each and every person face different challenges and degree of struggles in life.
I’m by nature very transparent and what people see or read about me on my blogs is what they get. Hindi ako marunong magtago. kaya nga pag galit ako I refrain from writing kasi kaibigan at kapamilya alam ang blogs ko eh di nabasa nila kung kanino ako galit hahaha.
by the way, you look very cute in that pic. it reminds me of myself when I was that age kasi chubby din ako nun hanggang tumangkad ng tumangkad at naging kawayan (LOL).
take care and take it easy.
juliana´s last [type] ..Allegra Out. Singulair In
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Lainybelle Reply:
September 1st, 2011 at 6:53 am
@juliana,
You’re right, Sis. Life being complex adds up spices to our lives.
Kaya nga ang ganda basahin ng blogs mo, Sis. Totoong- totoo.
Thanks for the compliment sa pic Sis. Hahaha! I look very chubby. Kahit ngayon nga, don na rin papunta if I don’t keep watch of my diet. Buti ka pa, tumangkad, eh ako wala ng pag-asa, hahaha!
You take care too Sis. I am so glad Irene had left and you are all safe.
Hugs!
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Life is indeed complicated and sometimes ironic. That’s why we really don’t need to take it that seriously.
Let’s not loose the child in us because sometimes it will help us keep our sanity.
Galing naman ng post mo te, as usual!
mwaaah!
ally´s last [type] ..My Guest Book
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Lainybelle Reply:
September 1st, 2011 at 8:51 am
@ally,
Hahaha! That’s the happy-go-lucky girl in you, my dearest cousin, LOL!
Salamat sa pag-appreciate ng post ko. Magpinsan nga tayo, hahaha!
Mwah!
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I was emotional after reading this, Laine. It reminds me of a friend who separated recently with her husband of 12 yrs. I felt their pain because I’ve known them both since they were still dating until they got engaged, and so on. You can never really tell that a marriage is forever until death do them part. Sad, but what can I say. Marriage needs not just love, but all of the above – patience, understanding, etc.
Life is indeed not a bed of roses and life is full of spices, ika nga. Life is not life without spices daw.
Anyway, you’re such a cutie there. I am chubby rin at that age. Sayang all my baby photos were left back home. Parang trip ko ring mag post ng baby photo ko with my bulging tummy. Hehe.
Happy Friday! Hugs!
Lynn´s last [type] ..Nostalgia #52: Washington, D.C. Tour Part 5 – Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
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tamaaaaaaaa…I agree! complicated talaga ang buhay….hay buhay nga naman…likewise, when I was a kid I thought the same thing that life is a bed of roses…sa movies lang pala yon…ehehehe!
divorce is one of the hardest topic…lalo na dito and other countries na mataas yung divorce rate…my BIL is going to a divorce process right now…it’s very unfair for the 3 kids… him and his wife have been married for 15 years…shock lang kami because they are religious family…you are so true about “the world is becoming more and more wicked each day. The more it gets evil, the more life has become so complicated. ”
Mrs.D´s last [type] ..A Rose
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ay, lainy, you’re making me cry… right on, sis. ayaw ko na mag comment, iiyak muna ako, ahaha. I’m feeling down right now and then i read this post. maybe i’m missing my bestfriends and then i’m hurting for other people who are friends and had a falling out.
glad to read something that comes from the heart, sis. truly moved ako.
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Good Morning Lainy! Thank u for visiting my site always. I can’t thank u enough for that! Just came from reading posts from Cheeky’s site and it helps me get away with my deep thoughts a bit. Come vacation time, I would ask my daughter to read from it. She adores dogs and I’m sure she can relate well with Cheeky’s adventures.
Moving along, I wonder what you were in your previous life. Were you a poet? An artist? Ohh…you wonder why I said so? Because reading all your previous posts made me think na ang lalim ng pinaghuhugutan mo. Alam mo yun….when you are a singer and you give justice to the song, they say….uyy malalim ang pinaghuhugutan nyan. As a writer, I guess ganundin yun. Mas effective tayo to convey our thoughts and feelings pg may pinaghuhugutan. Tama ba yung tagalog ko?? Hehehe…
I love reading this post. Thanks ha for the nice words about my site. Di naman sya totally malinis…may paid opps din dun kaso lang medyo matagal tagal na. Kasi nga bago pa lang me in blogging at iilang ad programs pa lang nasasalihan ko. Tsaka kasi minsan hirap din me sa time kasi nga I’m working full time din. Tapos even if I’m here ako pa din nag mamanage ng household namin. You know giving instructions to kids, budgeting, looking after some household concerns at minsan I also help them with their school requirements pag medyo hirap na sila due to deadllines. I am a blogger, a worker, a friend but on top of it all, I’m a mother! yayyyy!!
Good Morning and happy Monday!
KRIZZA´s last [type] ..Mayonnaise Jar And Coffee
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