The Day I Turned 40

As I write this, it has been 13 days since I turned 40 and I still do not feel like I am 40. I do not think I have my parents’ wisdom when they were at this age. My parents had everything in control at 40. I feel like I am still wading though life and trying to figure out what I want to do more in life. Adulting is hard.

Even with all the uncertainties I face, there is one thing I am sure I am going to do with my life. I am going to enjoy every minute of it. I am thankful for everything I have. When I think about it, I may look like the loneliest girl in the world: single, orphan, no siblings, no child, no better half. However, God had already blessed me with wonderful parents that all the love they gave me were more than enough to help me survive life without them. I have aunts who stood as my second parents, cousins that treat me like a big sister and friends who support me with all the love and care . It does not matter if they are near or miles away. I never feel alone. Thank you, God! I could not ask for anything more.

With all these blessings, I could not let my birthday pass without a little celebration. We had a simple dinner at home. I invited my friends and relatives over and I am glad they came.

My journal is now filled with happy memories.

The celebration was a family effort. My aunts prepared the house. This meant a lot of cleaning and rearranging.

I also baked my own cake.

My cousin, Baby, helped me bake cupcakes.

Lani came to cook shrimps, sweet and sour fish and dinuguan. My cousin, Alan, arrived early to help with the preparations. My cousin, Arvin, ran errands for me. These people made my life easier so as a reward, I will not subject them to such work every year. No birthday dinner like this next year. Hehe!

My friends made this day special, too. Aside from their presence, I got wonderful gifts to treasure. I got another poem from Wela. She already wrote a poem for me 2 years ago and, now, I got another one. Here is what she wrote:

Happy 40th birthday Kat,
For this you deserve a pat,
For being a true friend to hold,
And for letting God make you into His mold.

We your friends are so much thankful,
For giving us someone who is soulful,
Not someone whom we cannot count on,
But one who is always there to rely on.

One who is artistic and also creative,
Intelligent and at the same time innovative,
What more can we ask for and search?
You’re always there and easy to reach 

So on this special day that you were born,
A prayer is sent your way not to make you cry ‘popcorn’, 
But to let you know how much you’re appreciated,
For all the things you’ve done and orchestrated.

May you live a harmonious life,
Praying that one day you’ll become a wife,
To a man who is well-deserving,
Of your gifts and unconditional loving.

For the mean time here’s hoping for good health,
May you be blessed with more friends and wealth,
Overcome every trial that comes your way,
Be grateful for all the things that you receive each day.

We lve you! 

Isn’t that beautiful?

Wela and I.

My friends also planned a little video presentation. The funny thing is that I knew all along that they were going to do this. One friend told me about it beforehand because he thought it was funny that they had a problem who will edit the video since I am always the designated editor for videos. It was funny to see how my friend, Ernelyn, wiggled her way into borrowing my laptop so she could play the video that was sent to her messenger. She said she needed to finish something for work. Ha! Although it was a lame excuse, it was an endearing gesture.

Erns trying to run the video.

Here is the video made by my cousin, Bong. Yes, they got Kuya Bong to create a video for them. The awesome thing is that he was able to get in touch with my high school friends. I was only expecting video messages from our common friends. Like the poem, I will also treasure this video.

And the celebration did not end there. My friends who missed my birthday came two days after to celebrate with me.

A week after, I got this package from Grace.

I feel loved.

I am looking forward to my 40’s. Life begins again and it looks great from where I am now. I am beaming with gratitude and happiness. For those who feared turning 40 soon, it ain’t bad!

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