The Present

Year 2009 was full of many joys and many blessings. Happy times ebbed and flowed like gleaming ocean waves, while sad times were like the crashing of waves that disturb the tranquility of our lives. In our own homes and families, we experience highs and lows while traversing the peaks and valleys of life. Whether on a global or personal scale, year 2009 witnessed a host of victories and challenges. There was that historical moment in January when our great nation inaugurated its first African-American president. There were calamities like Typhoon Ondoy that ripped through the Philippines, submerging homes and upending lives. And nary a person I know that hasn't been affected by our soured economy. There were hardships endured, sorrows contemplated, failures regretted, plans thwarted, and mistakes corrected. There were fears conquered, lessons learned, successes celebrated, wishes granted, fences mended, and relationships rejuvenated. There were promises fulfilled, blessings bestowed, gifts pondered, and truths revealed. There were prayers answered!

Year 2010 marks the beginning of a new chapter. In the classroom of life, we are the students, the past is our teacher, and the future is our test. Salvation is our diploma.

And so, as we forge ahead to 2010, I end with one of my favorite quotes:

Tomorrow is a mystery
Yesterday is a memory
Today is a gift --
That's why it's called "The Present"

Here are some of our memories of yesteryear: