Coffee, Tea and Midlife-Me

As I ride a giant wave and turn a BIG 4-0, I've spent quite some time pondering what this "milestone" signifies... 40, according to many is the new 30, or so they say... Though aging is a state of mind, it is also a psychological and physiological fact that I am getting old -- aches here and there, white hair popping everywhere, and somehow late-night gimmicks and "unhealthy" food does not appeal to me as much anymore.

A few weeks back, during one of our almost-daily coffee chats, my fave sis-in-law popped a rhetoric that got my noggins abuzz: "Would you say you're complete?" Quick witted with words and humor as I am, sissy caught me off guard, as I didn't know whether to reply with something philosophical and/or funny.

So as "midlife" sets in, allow me to dip into the pondering mood on what life has blessed me with so far... and find an answer to this intriguing question...

At 40, I am still a son to my father Felimon and mother Luisa. Both are still alive, and still major influences in my daily existence. Viewing life as half-full instead of half-empty, I am fortunate that my father is "stable" after suffering a massive stroke that left him half-paralyzed and speechless almost 4 years ago. He is my biggest fan and problem solver as far back as I can remember, never giving up on me and always believing that I have a purpose in this universe. Since his stroke, whenever a crisis arises, his being unable to communicate  never posed as a hindrance since he instilled in me his values/morals in life early on. Just visiting him, sitting by his side, holding his hand and watching him smile at me is assurance enough that what's troubling me will soon pass.

I am still a pesky little brother to my siblings: Fred, Fifi, Fidette and Florence; who's presence and company I've appreciated more and more as we age. Reason being since we're all on the same boat now; equals as we're all blessed with families of our own. I look back with fondness the escapades and toilet humor we all shared growing up. All five of us slept with our parents and those were fun times! Knock-knock jokes, board games, silly antics, corny TV shows, and many more...

I am a true friend to quite a handful - quality and not quantity as they say. They add color and drama to life's daily challenges... A special shout-out to the "good samaritans" who shared their time, talent and resources in helping me get thru the first 40: Rico & Ice, WBL, Jong & Bien, Harry & Jackie, Aisha, Anthony, JP, and Robert & Christine.

I have an extended family - my in-laws Stewart & Rita and Syd, who's unconditional support and love is second-to-none for their "favorite" son-in-law and bro-in-law... Nuff said!

Best of all, I am a husband to Peaches and a daddy to my only-one Farrel. Though cheesy yet true, they are the best gifts God has ever rewarded me with AND they define the very purpose of my being... We own a humble house, we don't need to take public transportation, and we eat decent meals daily.

Given all these points and more,  I guess the answer is clearly obvious! A happy birthday to me... Cheers to the next 40 years and more...