I am Lucky

Almost a year being a couple, I can’t stop thanking God for He has given me the best lady by my side. She is like the one for me. She’s very thoughtful, nice, caring, willing to sacrifice for me, etc.

There were two times I was run to the hospital for my chest pain, and she was always there to take care of me, waiting for me, and ensuring me that everything’s going to be okay.

When talking about future, I always said that I need her to understand and I will need some time to collect the money for wedding, future house, etc. And she said that I don’t have to be worry too much about that, and she wanted us to share the load. She doesn’t want me to take the entire burden by myself. She said that if we go together, we get through all the laughter and pain together, both material and moral support.

When talking about wedding, fortunately, she has the same concept with me. Not a fancy one, but more casual, no main stage, no formal ceremony. We want a very casual and friendly celebration. We both will just mingle around with the guests, relatives, friends, and colleagues.

Thank God… can’t ask for more.

Padang Trip

Aug 31 to Sep 3, I went to Padang with my girlfriend for the first time. It was really such an experience in my girlfriend's hometown. I met her big family there. They are very welcome and nice. I stayed in her house in Padang. It isn't big, but very clean and homey. It's in China-town area called Pondok and it is close enough to the shore, only about five minutes with motor-bike. Her parents welcomed me very well, also with her brother, whom actually met him prior when he was visiting us to Jakarta about a month before.

I went there not only for holiday, but also to let them know that I am serious with my relationship with my girlfriend. And it's about time for me to step further with my girlfriend. Hopefully, next year at the latest, I can marry her.

As usual, every trip to new cities is time to explore the food. And for me, Padang has many good foods. Unfortunately, my condition is not pretty well to take all of them. However, I promise to get recovered soon and will be back there with perfect condition and enjoy Padang even more.

Once again, that was a pleasant trip and meaningful holiday. Thanks a lot to all the family there. Let us all hope for a good progress here and meet you all again as part of my big family.

They Kept This Secret for About 28 Years

Last Sunday, on August 25 to be exact, my parents, my sister and I were going together to mall for routine monthly shopping at Karawaci. When we were on our way back to home, we had lots of talks and jokes. At once – I wasn't pretty sure what we were talking about at that time
-- the point is there is something related to my mom. At one time, I told my sister that she has to do diet. And she replied that what if in the future she gets pregnant and gives birth, that will be very hard to lose her weight. Suddenly, my mom said: "I have four children and I still could lose my weight."

At first, I thought my mom was wrong-saying about that or probably she was having a joke that all four children she meant was me, Rio, and Lia (but she counted Lia as 2 children). Thus, I responded so to my mom. But, she said that it was true, she should have had four children. I am the eldest, and she failed the second one. My dad said that she should be my sister. We were only one year difference.

Suddenly, many questions appeared in my head: Where is she? What happened? How do I not know about this? Why my parents never tell me anything? etc etc

Patiently, my mom and dad told me that it was a difficult situation at that time for them to decide. Economically, they could not afford the fee for giving birth, raised another child, etc. So, they aborted for economy and health purpose. I was definitely shocked. There were mixed-feelings I felt at the same time. I… I… I was speechless.

My mom continued telling that she and dad felt very very guilty, but they had no options at that time. But they already confessed in a sacrament of penance (reconciliation). They felt very sorry to God.

Even until I write this post, I'm still confused. I don't know what to react and give opinions or thoughts. I only hope that God really really forgives us for everything that we have done in the past.

After all, I love my family. My dad, mom, bro, and sis. Probably, this is what it was meant to be.