When my grandmother traveled for about 15 hours to get to our house for the New Year, I was surprised that she could endure traveling for double the time it used to take because the roads were under renovation. It made me think that we should have been the ones to travel to her since she is now around 80 years old. Still, she happily kept cooking for us. I was still in the metro when she arrived at our home in the province, so she would message me, "I cooked champorado! Come quickly!" I would excitedly reply, "See you, Nanay!"
When I got there, I saw that she cooked more than champorado, and I happily munched on them all one at a time! I thanked my grandmother profusely for each dish!
"Waa, thank you so much for the embutido, Nay! It's a masterpiece!"
"Thank you for the liempo, it's so delicious that I'm already eating the set you packed for me to bring back to the metro!"
"Thank you for deliciously making the bangus! How did you make this seasoning?" And she shared her recipe with a smile.
When my mom and sister peeled shrimp for me, I could also say from my heart, "Thank you so much for thinking of me and peeling shrimp for me though it's your favorite!"
My brother gave us the cookies he baked, and I was amazed! "Thank you so much for the best homemade cookies!" He and Dad also cook amazingly!
Over the heartwarming meals, we shared stories, and the thanks for the food became thanks to my elders for their sacrifice in establishing a good foundation for us children. At this point, my grandmother said, "You say 'thank you' endlessly!" She was giggling, but I felt a little shy that maybe I was too excessive, so I held the next 'thank you' that was coming out of my mouth, and sat silently for a few moments. After waiting, I said 'thank you' again.
Right then, I heard my sister say in a small voice, "Thank you," as we were passing around food. Then my grandmother also said, "thank you." The rest of my family also mimicked saying "thank you," and it was such a precious moment for me because I felt their sincerity in trying out these words that felt new to them to say, especially over small things. The rest of the time spent together for the New Year suddenly felt lighter and lovelier, since the family also began exchanging "thank you's" with each other. Even when we went out to eat, I saw my grandmother smiling widely. It made me think that I should have expressed my thanks earlier as I was growing up!
Thanks to "The Words of Mother's Love" Campaign, expressing gratitude has become even more of a habit from the heart. I am so thankful to Mother who thanks us even for our little deeds, and I feel blessed that the heavenly love has spread throughout my family as well with the words, "Thank you!"