Relationship expenses are essential investment

Last weekend, I went home to my province. There was no significant occasion or event there but our family decided to meet because my brother, who is a seafarer just got home. Since 2007, we've never been "complete in attendance" because me and my seaman brother already have a family of our own and also I am base in island province while he is base in the far north. Last weekend is the only schedule everybody is available.

A simple meeting or homecoming like that entails a big chunk of our budget. But because we value relationships/family more than our budget, we decided to hold the meeting. Unfortunately, my brother's schedule suddenly change. To make the story short, he was the only one absent. I was so disappointed by the turn of events because I have to reschedule several meetings and risked a reprimand from my supervisor. Adding to injury, my brother only confirmed that he is not coming a few hours before our scheduled meeting. Haay...

Anyway, its true that amidst the rough is the diamond. We push through with our simple homecoming, and it was a blast!!! Our simple merienda became an advance birthday celebration for our two bunso (youngest sibling) who will be celebrating their birthday on April 29 and May 2. My estranged dad surprisingly visited that day and it was not the usual uncomfortable situation.

The celebrants with their cheap choco cake which they lovingly devoured..



Papa posing with us, enjoying the merienda prepared by my brother in law:




On my last day, we attended the SM sportsfest - which my sister, Ady is a participant. We have to endure the early wake up call just to attend and support her. My sister (2nd sibling) cannot attend the event because of her sensitive pregnancy and also my other sister (4th) because she and her husband attends to my ailing mother. And lo and behold... Ady emerged as the winner! Not only a placer which she expected but she was the grand winner in her category!! That really made our day even if the price was a mere P700.00 and a P30-worth medal. What was so amazing was our bonding and our excitement and support for our sister.

My sister during the marathon, awarding and with her # 1 fans & cheerios..












I spent a month worth of investible fund coming home but our simple homecoming was worth every penny... thanks to my husband for his usual support. Thanks to my sisters and brother for their time, effort and commitment. Thanks to Papa for being positive that time. Thanks to Mama who never gave up hoping amidst her health problems. I really love my family.. I am really so blessed by God.