Love

Deathless Bond

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read1.5K views

On this day fourteen years ago, my sister left the world of mortals.

Jacky was truly one of a kind. She was amazing, smart, available, funny, strong, gentle, kindhearted, open-minded, sensitive, forgiving, and true. She had beautiful big brown eyes and a smile that literally lit up a room. She was a people person and always fought the good fight.

From the moment I became aware, I claimed her as mine: my sister, my friend, blood of my blood. I wanted to be just like her. She was my role model. We prayed, shared, talked and laughed a lot. We fought and argued about everything (I fought just as much with my brothers). At the end of each day, we always remembered that we only had each other. All we had was each other. ‘I had her back and she had mine.’

1997 was a bittersweet year. It was just the two of us against the world and our bond intensified. In a series of letters, I told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me. She was all I got. We were deeply connected as I could feel her emotions and her mine. She was truly a free spirit in the purest sense of the word. On a beautiful afternoon a year earlier, while conversing in her room, she told me about her past two lives and I was amazed at how much detail she recalled. She encouraged me to practice kindness, especially toward those who hurt me and never to seek vengeance, regardless of circumstances.

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." — Proverbs 31:25 (NLT).
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
— Proverbs 31:25 (NLT).

Though physically gone, she is closer than ever before. Her spirit has not left my side. Like a soldier, she’s on standby; patiently waiting for instructions. I have called upon her for strength and she has comforted me. In my times of anxiety she’s the second best thing after my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’ve all heard of guardian angels and it is said that we each have one. I am grateful, blessed to have met and walked the Earth with mine. I claimed her with a pure heart and the Lord made her mine.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

“Claim your loved ones in Jesus name so that their path will be true and safe.” — Joan Ambu

Holy Week and Us

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read517 views

My daughter turned two months old. She now gives out genuine smiles and makes our hearts flutter whenever she smiles back at us in response to our silliness. She loves looking around; mostly at the chandeliers, ceiling fans and lights. She’s getting heavier (ferocious eater with good appetite) and we are just happy she’s a healthy baby. We had visitors last weekend, who prepared delicious meals for us and bought gifts for the baby. My older son is wonderful and a very protective brother; he’s just full of surprises and love.

Physically and mentally I’m doing alright. I’m going through a ‘Soul Searching’ phase. Though I’ve pretty much lost my post-pregnancy weight; I’ve gained muscles from my daily exercises and I’ve reached an ideal body shape. I’m happy where I am now. My husband too, has been losing  weight, thanks to his routine exercise and he has never been happier. We owe it in part to our ongoing commitment to a balanced and healthy diet.

Holy Week.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” John 1:9 (NIV).

Holy Week this year is very meaningful to us. We never truly realized how lucky we are until lately. We’ve seen so much pain and destruction around the World. Just last weekend, for instance, we visited a family friend in Los Angeles, CA whose son got shot a few times (and survived, thankfully). A week earlier we visited a friend in Upland, CA who lost her sister-in-law and while at the residence, we found out about the dead of someone else. Life is just too short and too fragile to waste lingering on meaningless things.

While using our time wisely, helping others and keeping ourselves happy; we are clinging to hope, thriving to do the right thing and praying for the forgiveness of our sins. As we look back at the past, we hope for a better tomorrow.

Mother’s Day at A Botanic Garden

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read622 views

Mothers are irreplaceable and life would never be the same without them. I know for sure that mine wouldn’t. I love being a Mom and more importantly, I’m blessed to have a wonderful Mom.

We spent part of our afternoon at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA. This event was sponsored by Rain Bird Corporation and we received four free tickets provided by the company as well. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of America’s Public Gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship, Education, plant conservation and water conservation in Communities nationwide.

It’s impossible for one to see all the beauties this botanic garden has to offer as it is spread across 86 acres. We walked for almost two hours, admiring the native Californian plants, learning a little bit about each one and of course, taking pictures and videos. We will have to come back to see more areas of this amazing garden.

Ticket Booth.
Ticket Booth.
 Flags.

Garden Flags/Signs.
Re-creation of a Tongva family complex and dance arena.
Re-creation of a Tongva family complex and dance arena.
Gazebo.
Gazebo.
Giant Sculpture.
Giant Sculpture.
Mother's Day 2009 (Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden).
Mother’s Day 2009 (Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden).

Our day wouldn’t have been complete without stopping by Mix Bowl Café, our favorite Thai Restaurant in Pomona, CA.  I highly recommend this Thai Restaurant for its high quality authentic Thai food, the great customer service it provides as well as the warm and welcoming environment.

To all of you, beautiful and strong Women, I wish you a blessed day filled with love and appreciation.

Family Reunion, 7 Years Later

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read594 views

“Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future. We make discoveries about ourselves.” — Gail Lumet Buckley

After 7 long years, my senior brother surprised me at work today. My husband along with my supervisor arranged a surprise meetup location and I was thrilled beyond words when I heard a familiar voice behind me. In a state of confusion and excitement I was speechless and didn’t know what to say or do, except embrace him. It was so good seeing him. It’s always so good to see the people we love and care about. He bought us a bunch of souvenirs from France (Wine, replica of the Eiffel Tower, pencil holder and so much more).

My Brother and Me.
My Brother and Me (Chino Hills, CA, 2006).

He spent three days with us and we flew together to Maryland (just for a day) to see our parents and other siblings.

We had a good time!