People Archives – Page 15 of 16 – Strength Of The Small

Memories: A Childhood Friendship

By JM PerezSeptember 5, 20122 min read784 views

Today I feel warm and joyful inside. I feel the same way I remember feeling as a child: free of worries and content.

While growing up, I was blessed to have a Father (I still am) whose career took him all over the country. We never stayed longer than a year and a half on a set location. I had the opportunity to travel and make friends even though it only lasted for a little while. As we observe, learn and become aware of our surroundings; we connect and advertently share bonds free of prejudice at such a tender age. Those are the individuals we tend to remember for the rest of our lives.

It was only in 1990 that we finally settled down in Yaoundé, Nouvelle Route Bastos.
Not too long after we moved into our home, a family moved across from us. An unconditional bond was formed and friendship was born right from the get-go between one of the kids and me. Stéphane instantly became my best friend and confidant. He was the handsome, awesome, loving and friendly guy from across our house, who would bug and nag at every opportunity he had. We spent countless hours after school talking about parties, sweet nothings and sometimes current events. That’s how we enjoyed spending our time instead of doing homework and preparing for the next school day.
He was a huge source of compassion. I cherish and hold those memories close to my heart. Those were joyful times, when life was so simple. Those were some of the best days of my life.

Stephane & Family — *Stéphane & his beautiful Family.*

Though we last saw each other fifteen years ago; I never stopped searching for him and asking around. For some reasons no one had the time nor the will to track him down including those I spoke to, who knew his whereabouts. It made me wonder if perhaps only fate could reunite us once again, as it was the case twenty-one years ago? I can’t help but wonder.

This morning I was blessed to reconnect with him. When I logged into my Facebook account my eyes immediately spotted his name. I knew then, without a doubt, that he was the one since we both shared a childhood friend. I jumped with joy as my heart leapt with excitement and gratitude.

It was so good talking to you, dear friend. Thank you for still being a part of my life; it thrills me beyond belief. I am looking forward to new beginnings.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” – Romans 8:28 (KJV)

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By JM Perez

Fruits Strength of The Small Gratitude People

“Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.”

By JM PerezAugust 20, 20121 min read642 views

For all the things that suck about life; I for one, am grateful to have good neighbors.

You can choose your friends. You can choose your house and neighborhood; however, you cannot choose your neighbors. Good neighbors make good neighborhoods and can help improve your quality of life. Good neighbors are thoughtful and look out for each other. Bad neighbors are unpleasant to be around and can make life very difficult for others.

Good neighbors add to your set of skills allowing a neighborhood to maintain itself more efficiently since they are all working together. Look around your neighborhood and you will notice the ones that seem to work together and the ones that stand alone, doing their own thing.

*Basket of freshly picked Peaches (a gift from my neighbor).*

HOW CAN WE BE GOOD NEIGHBORS?

Be considerate to everyone and practice the Golden Rule which states that “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you …” – Matthew 7:12 (NASB)

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By JM Perez

Parenting Children Education Family People High Desert

My Son’s First Day of School

By JM PerezAugust 13, 20121 min read601 views

Today is the official First Day of School for some schools here in the High Desert and my first born is heading off to Kindergarten. While my mind was racing and I was worrying about everything; my son on the other hand, was so relaxed and excited to start his first day of kindergarten. We all got ready this morning, drove him to school and spent the first 30 minutes in the classroom getting the feel on how things are done. My son was assigned to a wonderful teacher.

My Son, die-hard fan of lightning McQueen, requested a McQueen Backpack for school. I got him the best backpack out there and he loved it so much, especially as he could store a few things he could easily access in the wheels. He was so excited to take it to school this morning. I put the following in his backpack:

Hand Sanitizer
Kleenex Pocket Pack Tissues
Cold and Cough Drops
A Bottle of Water
“We Love You” Message

Notepad and Pencil
Healthy and Nutritious Snacks
Our Address & Phone Number
Sunglasses (100% UV)

I thought him well and I know he will do well. I am looking forward to picking him up and hearing all about his first day of school, his first day in kindergarten. I miss him so much already.

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By JM Perez

Yahoo! 360° {Archive} Personal Quest Love Family People

Holy Week and Us

By JM PerezApril 1, 20102 min read510 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 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.

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By JM Perez

Desserts Snacks and Treats Yahoo! 360° {Archive} Gratitude People

Neighbors Welcome Gifts

By JM PerezAugust 17, 20091 min read734 views

Two days ago, we received a “Welcome To the Neighborhood Cake” from the Robinsons, our kindhearted neighbors from across the street. It looked delicious and I told my husband he could take it to work and indulge with his co-workers (which of course, they loved). We moved to this quiet neighborhood a couple of years ago and this thoughtful gesture shows that it’s never too late to reach out to others.

Today we received another surprise gift from our newest, next door neighbor, Gregory. He moved here about two months ago and was doing major renovation in his home along with his friendly twin brother, Arthur, whom I’ve seen a few times around and finally met Saturday morning. My husband and I were having a conversation in the kitchen early this evening when the door bell rang. It was a good surprise seeing Gregory holding a basket full of delicious Armenian bread in his hands. I was so touched!