What Joaquin recently taught me...

Most of the time, people find big and small reasons to love (like) someone. Sometimes, you just really love (like) and the fact that you don't get to give a concrete reason doesn't make that love any less.

That's what I learned from my godson Joaquin from his last visit. We hardly see each other. The last time I saw him before the visit last weekend was several months ago, and yet when I saw the kid, he still strikes a chord in my heart. The same thing goes for my family. Man, I'm a border in my own house. I go home there to sleep and eat. I hardly spend time with my folks and brothers. And the few times that I am home, I sometimes get into an argument with them (but that rarely happens). Still, the few times we all get to sit down and eat together, I have a good time and I know that I love them.

There's really no need for a grand reason to defend why you'd want to spend some time with someone. For coffee, for a movie, for dinner. You just do. I hope that makes sense to you.

Happy Hearts Day!

Who's that little boy?

There was a surprise visitor in the house yesterday. I was doing my usual Sunday morning chores when I heard a little boy asking for the front door to be opened. I haven't heard that voice for the longest time, but I knew who that kid was - Joaquin.

Joaquin is a godson I rarely see. I do want to spend more time with him, but circumstances won't allow it. How he came into this world is a story worthy of a soap opera episode, and while I did get to take care of him during his first nine months, he was brought to another home and the next thing I know, he's this adorable growing boy already.

It was funny how he reacted when he saw me opening the door. I asked him, "Do you know who I am?" He shyly replies, "Ninong Angelo." I let him in and he runs around the living room, and goes over to my Dad whom he calls "Tonio" to say hello. For the next hour or so, he just goes around the house playing PC games, running around, and doing other kid stuff.

I watch him and there's just something about this kid that brings out the "I want to be a Dad" in me.

Even if the traditional ones would say that they need to have a wider world experience or that they need to grow out of their youth before they can share some words of wisdom, I believe kids can teach you things.

And on the way to work this morning, I realized one thing I learned from Joaquin. I'm reserving that entry for the approaching Valentine's Day. Harharhar!