My family commemorated my dad’s first year death anniversary today with prayer and song. Since most of my relatives are based overseas, we had the service via Zoom. It was heartwarming to be with family despite the distance, as technology was able to bridge the space between us.
As we celebrate my dad’s life, I will go forth thinking that I can be better than the way I was yesterday. He may not be here on Earth anymore, but that does not stop him from being my father.
I will keep going on.
After bringing my late grandpa’s watch to the shop, I later brought my late dad’s watch for some custom love. I chose thick black rally straps in artisanal leather to complement my father’s Technomarine. Reader, I wasn’t disappointed.
From my father, I learned some blobs of wisdom that enrich my life to this day:
Cash is king
Choose someone who will love you and still give you space because you’re an only child
Work for yourself and never for your employer, even if you are employed
Pray and believe
Never be afraid to want good things for yourself.
I miss my dad, but I know that he is closely watching over me. I will surely live my life to the fullest because he is just hovering nearby. For now, I will live without abandon, and love like today is my last one on Earth.
I recently brought my late grandpa Cedric Bernardez’s Seiko Kinetic to the shop for some thick custom leather straps. I wasn’t disappointed. I selected rich brown artisanal straps with wax thread stitching to honor the man who taught me to appreciate the finer things in life. Among those are the following:
Write down your feelings and analyze them later. And write your name on everything your write, hence this eponymous blog.
Drink alcohol with refinement and never with intense emotions.
Beer should be appreciated anytime, just like coffee.
Jewelry is a form of self-care. Never be afraid to indulge in bling for oneself.
life is too short.
So here I am, wearing his watch and living his legacies. This is Samantha Gail Bernardez Lucas, bearer of my late grandpa’s name and passions in life. I will never take this life for granted.
Life is too short to be half-lived.
Please include in your prayers my late grandfather, Cedric Bernardez. He passed away last January 15th due to cardiac arrest.
It was from him that I learned to appreciate fine wine, beer, eyewear, and Manila. I will forever be grateful to this OG influencer who used to hold office at Escolta.
Cheers!
Yesterday was my dad’s funeral mass. We had close friends and family to stand with us during this trying time.
I am incredibly lucky to have the support I need at this time. I will not take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short. Make each minute matter.
Yesterday, I was joined by my mom and maternal relatives for a day of unwinding. We visited the church where my parents were married.
Then, we had lunch at Livestock for some delicious comfort food.
We transferred to Hello Kitty Cafe for dessert and coffee.
I also managed to crochet throughout the day.
It is possible to go on living with family at my side. Despite the pain of losing a loved one, I can carry on with life, one day at a time.
My dad was cremated yesterday. Thank you for all you support during this difficult time.
Yesterday, I had a difficult day as I encountered problems in the bank. I had to discuss my status quo with the manager, who didn’t seem to grasp the urgency of my situation at first. She did help me after my explanation, and I am awaiting the full resolution of the issue within the week.
Having said that, I decided to unwind with some cheap thrills at the mall: a sizzling burger steak and iced coffee shake.
I also got to watch Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon, which is the sequel to one of my favorite local indie films, Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa.
It was beautifully acted and very sad.
I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father, and I found him restrained to his bed to prevent him from removing his respirator. It was sad to see him this way, so I have to keep myself strong in the coming days.
I just have to find ways to be happy amidst the darkness of my current situation.
Yesterday, I found this staircase at the hospital with natural light. I couldn’t resist taking a selfie in the sunny stairwell.
I knitted as I cared for my terminally-ill father.
Then, I joined my US and Canada-based relatives as they toured the village where we all grew up. I stayed here until I was twelve years old.
We ended the day with dinner with Tarlac-based relatives and more Filipino food!
I drove them in the rain, and I’m happy that we reached their hotel safely.
I enjoyed my relatives’ company, and their visit reminded me that there’s nowhere to go but up. In tough times, there’s family I can count on, and faith to strengthen me.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my helper Racquel at a Greek restaurant. We had to finish some errands, and this was a delicious break from our tasks.
Then, I met my maternal relatives from the US and Canada for early dinner. We ate Filipino food, and had a massage afterwards.
I even managed to squeeze in some knitting while having my massage.
As an only child, it’s important that I find good company to help me get through my dad’s terminal illness. I’m glad that my maternal relatives supported me during this difficult time, and that my helper is always willing to extend a helping hand. They inspire me to keep going, no matter how bleak the days seem to be.
Here’s to better days ahead!
Yesterday, I rode the tricycle to my former office.
I submitted my resignation yesterday because I was suffering from allergies at work. I’d have to find an office that won’t compromise my health. Health is valuable to me, especially now that my dad is terminally-ill.
I also need more time to take care of my father now that he is in critical condition in the hospital. I bought adult diapers and liners. I also got medicines from the pharmacy.
I need to fan him from time to time due to his medication. It’s not easy caring for someone who’s terminally-ill, so I have to be strong as well.
This is my main job for now. I can look for work again when things stabilize, but for now, I am my father’s carer, and I am up for the challenge.
I am thankful for family during this difficult time. My cousin Van sent us pastries, and I’ve been having delicious bread for brekkie.
I am thankful for our helpful Racquel who had helped me through thick and thin.
I am thankful for street food, such as these potato chip skewers.
I am thankful for knit and crochet.
I was able to give my makes to my relatives from the US.
I am thankful for a friend I met online whose ministry is to share wooden holding crosses to the sick and their families.
I am grateful for the gift of life. I am thankful for time with my terminally-ill father. I am happy that I can still share memories with my family.
We are all in this together.
Yesterda, I had the remarkable opportunity to be in the presence of Healing Priest, Fr. Fernando Suarez. It was a privilege to meet him. I asked him to pray for me and my dad.
I had some religious articles blessed by the esteemed priest. These were my pasalubong for my family.
The mass left me in tears. Just like when I was in the presence of Pope Benedict the XVI, I felt the holy power of this priest. I was moved to tears as I prayed for my intentions.
After the mass, I went for a blind massage.
And before going home, I had an Assam milk tea with pearls and pudding.
I believe that miracles are possible in my life, and in my family. I keep on praying for healing for my dad, a good job for me by March, and strength for my mom. I am also praying for the recovery of my best friend, Luti.
May God bless us all!
Yesterday, I got to eat lunch with my Lucas relatives. I wore my new Sunnies Specs glasses from Sunnies Santa and applied Sunnies Face Glowboss on my cheekbones for some extra sparkle.
We chose Katherine’s Cafe at Vertis North as they had a wide range of food for our varied tastes. Since I was craving for pasta, I ordered this Vigan longganisa and salted egg number. It was delicious!
My goddaughter Kate was ready to eat pizza and bring some Christmas cheer that only kids could give.
I gave her kid’s toiletries from my Human Nature online store. You may still purchase last minute presents and have them delivered straight to your doorstep! Shop now!
I also got her a special toy from Toys R Us.
I received some lovely presents and I am grateful to be part of my relatives’ shopping lists!
There are still plenty of blessings to be grateful for. Amidst all the challenges that my family is facing, I am still thankful that we get to celebrate Christmas together this year.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!
After winning a pair of Sunnies Specs from dearsunniessanta, I was able to free up my budget (consisting of monetary holiday gifts from relatives abroad) in order to buy presents for myself. This year is different because my dad has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I chose to buy gifts for my parents aside from just spending for myself, in order to cheer them up this holiday season.
Thanks to the recent 12.12 Lazada sale, I was able to buy four pairs of Sunnies Studios sunglasses. This isn’t a sponsored post, and I bought these with my own money.
It was satisfying to open my delivery yesterday.
The sunnies pairs were neatly packed, and they all looked amazing!
The top two pairs are for my parents, while the bottom two are for myself. I got them at a steal, and admittedly, that sale was fun!
I will never forget that moment when I won those specs, and will forever be grateful. I will support the Sunnies group when I get a job soon. For now, I will rock these sunglasses with flair, and I will enjoy the holidays with my family.
Yesterday, I spent time with my goddaughter Kate, and my cousins Bianca and Choi. We had a relaxing lunch to celebrate our uncle’s sacerdotal anniversary, and for dessert, we had cookies at Scout’s Honor.
I even got to swing by the Art Exchange, The Craft Central’s annual bazaar featuring some of the best local handmade merchants. It was fun to meet the ladies behind The Attic Yarn and Craftery, which is where I get most of my yarn for knitting and crocheting. Also, I got a pair of decoupage airplane earrings from Marita De Lemonade.
I had a lovely Saturday and it was fun to catch-up with family. I hope that I could spend more time with them in the future, and that I will continue to see Kate grow.
My birthday celebration continued the other day as I had lunch with my cousin Choi at CoCo Ichibanya and Scout’s Honor. It was a lovely afternoon of good eats and hearty laughter! I am thankful for priceless moments with family, and I hope that next time, we will have more happy stories to share with each other.
