Strength Of The Small

Childhood Friendship Destinations Children Family Gratitude

A Warm Weekend In Maryland

By JM PerezFebruary 24, 20252 min read86 views

I finally met Alicia Joann, my goddaughter …

She was baptized on the weekend with her brother. I love you, child!
Beautiful, smart, kind, gentle, amazing, calm, and composed, with the usual teenager vibe.
It was love at second sight – with the original emotions all over again, except this time, I could actually embrace her, talk to her, pray for her, and bless her.

Look at her gorgeous mother, Evelyne. I am just so grateful to have a sister like her, and most importantly, I am so blessed to have been adopted into the family thirty-three years ago. The Mighty God who knew me and my story before I was formed in my mother’s womb entrusted me to her family. Here we are today.

*“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. And having both is a blessing.” – Unknown*

- I missed our first daughter, who couldn’t make it due to school activities.
- I got to enjoy the company of the other ” J” babies.
- There was Felix, all grown with his swag …
- Then there was Sir Boniface, who took forever to notice me. When he finally put one plus one together, however, it was magical. I owe this brother a debt I cannot repay.
- It was wonderful to spend some time with aunt Grace. Mom, you are a phenomenal woman! Your advice as usual is invaluable. It feels so good to be in your presence. I love you so much.
- And of course, our Daddy was there in spirit, given the occasion. We miss you, Paps!

Emilienne: ♥❤♥. My heart is with you, always.

We laughed, we cried, we drank fine wine, we ate to our satisfaction (chef Jenifer, our graceful sister, made sure of it). We were graced by the presence of our very own ‘highness’ (how nice it was to tease you, sister-sister. That’s how much we love and cherish you).

Sending you love and strength during this difficult time as I stand with you in prayers.

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By JM Perez

New Year Winter Life Lessons Gratitude

A Closed Door To New Beginnings

By JM PerezJanuary 1, 20252 min read199 views

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2025 is finally here. The Sun has risen, another day has begun, we are still here, and we can embark on that journey of endless possibilities. A toast to you all for a beautiful, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year.

2024 was bittersweet. It was a year of temptations and personal growth. It was a year of revelations, acceptance, surrender, and letting go. I was given a rare opportunity to peek into the hearts of wicked men and witness the effects of greed and twisted ego. Now I know I must remain true to myself. Acceptance is liberating.
Just as I was closing down a few doors, others opened up for me. I was blessed with opportunities, and in turn, I blessed others in need. I am grateful for good health, my children who keep me grounded, my big brother who is helping me cultivate the art of patience, and my Mother, who seems to have made it her mission to make me laugh on a daily basis. And then, there are my jewels of good friends. Kindness is rewarded.

As I continue to mourn the loss of many, I give thanks to God for the precious gift of their lives, the beautiful memories we shared, and the hope of reuniting with them again in eternity. While it is impossible to move on, or get over the passing of a loved one, we can learn to cope and live with it as we move forward. May the peace of God surround you as you navigate this challenging time of loss. Today, I can attest that God’s love and grace is unchanging and unfailing, even in grief. God is good all the time; believe He is with you (Lamentations 3:32).

I learned and grew tremendously this past year, and after completely de-cluttering my mind and surrendering to God, He is slowly showing me His path for my life. I am at peace, happy, healthy, and resolute. I remain in a state of gratitude, and I am ready to take on 2025.

Every day is a new beginning, a chance to start again by turning over a new leaf. We should all aspire to move onto bigger and better things or smaller and meaningful things.

May this year be one of healing, restoration, peace, endless possibilities, and abundant blessings.