Happy birthday to my beloved Emma. Honestly, I’m so thankful for this girl’s heart. She has one of the biggest hearts I know, so ready to give to those around her, and so easy to forgive those that hurt her. I’ve seen this many times this year, with how she tries to help her friends in school by tutoring them in subjects they have a hard time with. She’s a constant encouragement to friends, the usual peacemaker between people, and even when people have said mean things to her, she has always had an open heart to forgive them. I also see this in our family, how she tends to her younger sisters; I even catch her teaching Zi ways to get better in playing her violin or reading to Elle, or playing with Elle even though the game might seem juvenile for her age. Emma is also so determined for her age, trying out for solos in her school choir, being 1st violin in her orchestra, getting on principal’s list, writing a song to sing to her teachers, getting to green belt in PAMA, getting into the science fair and advanced math, being in the children’s church choir, & […]

Yesterday, as we were eating dinner, I asked the girls for some school stories. I then reminded Emma to alternate the shoes she wears everyday as to somewhat preserve their condition.  I asked her if the kids in 6 grade made fun of the sneakers I had bought from Korea for $6 online.  She said no because of what had happened regarding her previous sneakers that she used to wear early last year.  Apparently, kids would whisper behind her back, making fun of her inexpensive unbranded shoes, while some kids would shout “what are those?!” in front of her. Instead of getting upset, I asked her how it made her feel, and she shrugged it off.  I asked her how she handled the situation, if she was vocal about it, or just kept the hurt to herself.  “I know what you’re saying in back of me,” she said to her classmates, “and the reason I’m wearing these sneakers is because my mom doesn’t want to spend that much on sneakers.” She mentioned that she had to explain this to multiple people. After her ability to confront her fashion police, she wasn’t teased anymore. Now, what these youtube influenced kids don’t […]

I think I joined choir when I was Emma’s age. I also was asked to sing alto because I knew how to sing harmony. But I was very far from where Emma is musically now, mainly because of her confidence and vocal skill. Yesterday, as I was in front singing for praise and worship, I saw her Ate Genny help her with her robe and I was smiling from ear to ear to see how long the robe was on her. All sorts of emotions ran through me- ranging from the past to the future. It is really quite a thing to see time embodied in your children.

My eldest daughter turns 11 today. Time is a thief, but I remember telling myself to consciously look intently at her face when she was born, because I knew days like this would come. I didn’t know she would have this smile, that her voice was most loveliest when she sings harmony. I didn’t know her hair would curl and shape her face longer when she grows it out. And her features come second to who she is. This year, I found out she wrote letters to her friend who was having a hard time coping because her dad had a serious illness, tutoring her math during her free time. She stood up in front of her peers to speak in behalf of her teacher. She spent so much time teaching Zi songs on her violin, impressing their teacher with Zi’s quick ability to pass the songs. Just some small markers that show us who she is becoming. So they are days like this when I’m reminded to stop and look, because time is a thief and tomorrow will come asking for what I remember. Love you so much, Emmanuelle.