Inspirations at your Fingertips!

It’s my third Christmas away from home. Many things have happened, and the most life-changing of all is the departure of our dearest mother Gilda to celebrate Christmas with none other the Celebrant Himself – Jesus, in heaven. This is our first Christmas without her. Probably this is what it really means to celebrate Christmas - when everything else is gone, when material blessings have disappeared; when we start to experience the weariness of a failing health because of aging and sickness; when we start spending Christmas away from home and our loved ones … This might be the real meaning of Christmas, when the Christ had to make the ultimate sacrifice by becoming human and at moment of his birth, was immediately rejected by people, to take refuge in a stable. But inside that stable, fullest and warmest LOVE is felt, one of a purest kind; a LOVE that emanates from the CHRIST CHILD and flowing most immensely to the Blessed Mother who, in awe and wonder, pondered all these...

Derived from: Gardenweb.com Photo: Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Cemeteries Lovingly dedicated to Nanay "Christmas in Heaven" I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below with tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face? I'll ask him to lift your spirit as I tell him of your love so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes ab...

This picture speaks a thousand words. For me, this picture will always serve as inspiration of the different women in my life. Let me introduce the Jopson women in three generations: (starting from the left) my sister Eva who's a pediatrician, my beloved mother Gilda (who recently passed away), mother and daughter team, sister-in-law Daisy who is married to Tony and their daughter Lissa Angelica, who's presently taking up Pre-med in UP Manila, and Ting Panaguiton, our youngest sister who is married to Vit and has 2 children, Mikee and Jayvee. Thank you all for your most wonderful smiles!

Take a break and listen to the soothing songs of the Stylistics which I recorded at a park in New Jersey last summer of 2007.

Since the death of our mother, we have been closly checking on each other in the family and see how we're coping up with her loss. We noticed common experiences that we believe are signs of her "presence". During her ninth day, when we went to the cemetery and prayed the rosary, a beautiful white butterfly came flying by. But instead of passing us, it encircled us, then went to the flowers we placed in her grave. Then it left most peacefully. My sister immediately said, "Nanay, hello ..." We were are thankful for that presence. Another was when Ate and I were talking on the phone. She was in Chicago and I was in L.A. Then she started to smell sampaguita flowers. She immediately uttered, "Nanay, we love you." I thought, "Why only her? Why not me?" Then I started to breathe deeply, when I smelled what I thought was the sweetest bouquet of roses. That was nanay assuring us that she was simultaneously with us. Another was nanay...

This is taken from "Prayers: our Lady of Guadalupe" prayer book. It is a timely prayer for Nanay Gilda as it contains many inspiring phrases for commendation, asking for peace, recalling joyful moments with the dearly departed. May we derive consolation in praying this prayer. Lord, help us to see death for what it really is, the end of poverty and the beginning of riches; the end of frustration and the beginning of fulfillment; the end of fear and the beginning of tranquility; the end of pain and the beginning of joy; the end of weakness and the beginning of strength. Let not grief overwhelm us, or a sense of loss embitter us. But out of our sadness let there arise a new joy for so much given to us. Cast out our fears and let not our hearts be troubled. Let your spirit of peace come alive within our experience and hurt, our sorrow and isolation, our sadness today and loneliness tomorrow. We humbly commend to you Gilda whom you have called out of this mortal life. You love...

This is a short eulogy delivered last June 10, 2007 on the occasion of the interment of my mother, Gilda, at the mass at the our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Project 4. We fondly call her “Nanay”, a colloquial for “mother”. It is not a coincidence that the burial and mass of Nanay was held on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Body and blood of Christ. It was her greatest wish to attend mass at the Church and receive the body of our Lord. And now she has attained her dream to be “home”. We recall seeing her at the back part of the church, quietly hearing mass. When the time came that her body was showing its weakness because of old age, she had to have a companion to take her to the church. Otherwise, we would see both her and Tatay going to church. We recall also the dreadful effects of scoliosis and how it is affecting her posture. But that posture only enhanced the state of her soul – it revealed a posture of bowing down before the Lord and asking for...

This blog merged my inspiring stories and "Dear Father" articles in the website. Later on I will be writing reflections and practical ideas to help us through different aspects of our lives that affect family, work, faith, etc. This shall also serve as my personal journal as i also journey with you. God bless! Photo courtesy of: myphilippinestravel.com