Grateful

I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s the fall season. But lately I’ve been thinking about people. Those closest to me, and the ones who, once upon a time, I called friend.

People who once played a huge role in my life but now live only in memory — the ones I sometimes find myself reminiscing over.

Whatever the circumstance, one thing always comes to mind: I’m grateful to have met you.

The “phrase people come and go” never really made sense to me years ago. Being the extrovert that I am, I always wanted to hold on to everyone that I had met. Younger Ruddy, often imagined that these relationships were forever, that the ones I had met along the way were lifelong. But life doesn’t work that way, right? Some stay for a time, and others for a lifetime.

And that’s okay.

I like to think that when I meet people, I bring a bit of joy and if we part, I hope they carry some of that with them too. Not all relationships, friendships, end well. It’s a sad truth, but we can always be grateful for them, those who drifted away, those who ended on hard terms, and those who still remain. So it’s only natural to find myself reminiscing about them. A perfect song that comes to mind is maki’s Kahel na langit.

The lyrics:

Minsan, gusto kong magsumbong sa 'yo
Kapag pagod na pagod na ako
Tama pa bang init ng yakap mo
Ang hinahanap ko?

Translation:

Sometimes, I just want to run to you

When I’m so completely tired

Is it still right to long for the warmth of your embrace?

True to Maki’s own words, the song captures how some connections linger like echoes, gentle but distant. Because at one point in time, these people brought warmth into my life. We shared the joys and pains of life together. I am who I am today because of every person I had met. Those who taught me, challenged me, and helped me grow. And while some have drifted away, I’m reminded to hold the ones who stayed even closer — the friends and family who continue to shape me.

I often tell my friends, family, those closest to me, that there are no words that I can say to express how grateful I am for them. Because honestly that’s the truth, “thank you” sometimes feels like it doesn’t capture it all, that it’s too simple. Honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s the overthinker in me, well, or maybe it’s because I’ve never been good with words of affirmation. Whenever someone gives me kind words and compliments, I don’t really know how to take it, and so it often results to a shy, awkward “thank you”. But I’m learning that simply saying it, as it is, can go a long way. That we don’t have to overthink it, say what you want to say, say it how you want to say it.

Thankfully, there are those who never cease to remind you of your worth, who praise you here and there, or sometimes even consistently. They are also the same people who will teach you how to receive these words well. Because they are gentle reminders that you are loved abundantly. Hold to heart the words expressed by those around you. Because those closest to you, good friends and family will always will the best and the good, for you. So accept their compliments, corrections, and even their words of wisdoms.

God truly sends the people you need in your life, hold them close.

Take a moment to thank them, to appreciate them in your own way.

So my dear friends, family, thank you, I’m grateful for you, beyond words. Thank you for being my rocks, my prayer warriors, my inspirations, my Bughaw, and for the joyful chaos you bring into my life.

Happy Thanksgiving! Forever with a grateful heart,

Life Unfolds,

Ruddy

Designated Tambayan spot: Orange Julep