Love

Childhood Friendship Love Gratitude People

I Remembered

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read553 views

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ― A.A. Milne

We had a beautiful weather this weekend in the High Desert. It was mostly cloudy with some cool breeze and a few rain drops starting Saturday afternoon and a little more around 2:00 AM Sunday morning. Just lovely and perfect to spend the entire day outdoors relaxing and finishing up projects.

Today, I was blessed to reconnect with yet another awesome Friend; a Sister at heart and my voice of reason back when the pain was too much to bear.  She always made me promise to remember how great Life once was; promise to smile after the tears dried; promise to shake things off; Promise you will not do something stupid. “Promise me, Joan, promise me.” Those uplifting words still echo in my mind. At the time I was so deep into my grief that I couldn’t see the Support Team I was given and the circle I found myself into prior to that bitter day.

Image Credit: Willow Tree.com
Image Credit: Willow Tree.com

I quietly listened to everything she said to me and I remembered. After a good thirty minutes of updates and expressing our gratitude to one another, we laughed a lot. An hour well spent reconnecting. A definite throwback for both of us. Until next time, I am holding on to good memories.

To you, Evelyne, from the bottom of my heart: Thank You.

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JM Perez By JM Perez
Childhood Friendship Love Gratitude People

My Grateful Heart

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read522 views

The days of the week have gone by slowly, allowing me to start and finish some little projects.
Yesterday was a joyful and heartfelt day for me. After talking to my Dad, I happened upon an old friend’s number. Had seven years really gone by since I last spoke to this awesome being? I asked myself.  Sure, we kept in touch through emails. How could seven years go by without verbal exchanges? I had no time for my mind to wonder. I was thrilled to talk to one of the amazing individuals who stood tough with me during my times of need.

"Kindness is the catalyst that fuels our drive for Love and Compassion." — Joan Ambu
Kindness, Love and Compassion.

I met Blanche in High School and she instantly became my best friend. She was always in my face and my business. She was my eyes when I couldn’t see clearly, my voice when I couldn’t speak and she had my back. We celebrated our birthdays together as hers is a day prior to mine. We had so much love, admiration and respect for one another and I thank God every single day for placing her on my path through life because she helped me remember how sweet Life was and how joyful I was prior to loosing my sister. She stood by me and walked me through the other side of grief. We were birds of a feather, and naturally, we flocked together.

As I dialed her number and patiently waited for the connection to be established,  my heart leapt with joy when I heard a familiar voice on the other end. As soon as she heard my voice she said: Please tell me it’s you Joan, I’ve prayed for this moment.Yes, it is I, I jokingly replied. We laughed and picked up right where we’d left off as if time and space never existed. We spent over an hour catching up on each other’s life and in the end, we made the promise to talk to each other at least once a month.

“True friends are the ones who never leave your heart, even if they leave your life for a while. Even after years apart, you pick up with them right where you left off, and even if they die, they’re never dead in your heart.” ― Unknown

I haven’t forgotten those who comforted me and genuinely cheered my successes and happiness.

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JM Perez By JM Perez
Love Family Gratitude People

Family On My Mind

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read594 views

It’s hot today and as of now, it’s above 99° Fahrenheit. Added to that it’s windy. Imagine steeping out and feeling a wave of hot air in your face. For a moment I almost forgot how hot it gets here in the High Desert and it’s only the beginning. Lovely day, dreadful weather. The laughter and beautiful sounds coming from the playroom transport my mind to a familiar place and for a few moments, I catch myself daydreaming. Reliving in my mind some wonderful moments we shared in Douala. How I love and miss my siblings.

I had a wonderful conversation with my Mom today and it felt good. It felt really good. She just got back home after spending a month in Cameroon and two weeks in France with my brother and his family. It was a much-needed vacation for her and she enjoyed the break. She returned feeling all rejuvenated, energized and revitalized. It felt good talking to my big Brother too; it felt really good. Everyone is in very good spirit and nothing else matters. As much as she enjoyed her vacation, she is happy to be back in the midst of her children and grandchildren and looking forward to do the things she enjoys the most.

Image Source: Willow Tree.com
Image Credit: Willow Tree.com

Family is the source and the foundation. Family is the ‘make’ or ‘brake.’ Family is created to withstand the test of time. Family is everything and if there’s anything meaningful I’ve learned in Life, it’s never to take anyone for granted as life can end abruptly. When down on your knees, broken inside, alone, lost, confused and without clear direction; Family will lift you up and nurture you back to health and back on your feet. Family will remind you where you are coming from, where you have been and will question you on your future goals.

Wishing you all great moments with your loved ones.

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JM Perez By JM Perez
Father's Day Parenting Love Inspire Family Gratitude People

Happy Father’s Day

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read723 views

“There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father’s love for his child.” — King Osric (Conan the Barbarian).

Happy Father's Day. Image Source.
Happy Father’s Day.

“Being a father is a choice. Staying true to fatherhood is a duty.” ― Joan Ambu

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dads out there!

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Leisure Love Family Gratitude High Desert

Gentle Breeze of Comfort

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read580 views

It’s a gorgeous day here today. I had a good night rest and I feel rejuvenated. The weather is awesome. Sitting next to my window sill, I am watching the leaves dance in the air. The sound of the light wind is music to my ear and I am enjoying the gently breeze of comfort. It’s the last week of school at my Son’s school and he is too excited. He received an award for Perfect Attendance this morning as well as a few gifts for being smart. Tomorrow is Field Day and he is looking forward to watch the 6th Grade vs the Staff play Softball game (if the weather permits). Thursday will be the last day of school.

On Saturday I got to talk to a very dear friend, whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It felt really good. I gardened a little and bought a set of inspirational Gnome Statues for my kids raised garden beds.
On Sunday morning, we surprised our kids by taking them to the movies to watch Epic, which they have been looking forward to seeing ever since they saw the movie trailer. The look on their faces was priceless as they realized we were ditching the park for the movie Theater. We had an awesome time together.

Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.
Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.

Our Memorial Day weekend was great and as I wish for a steady weather, I am looking forward to spending some time outdoors gardening and planning our next backyard project.

Wishing you all a lovely week.

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JM Perez By JM Perez