"Life should not only be lived. It also should be celebrated."
I have always enjoyed birthday celebrations because it allows us to commemorate the life of someone that we value in life. Last year, when my paternal grandmother succumbed to cancer, it really crushed me. I spent nights crying inside my room without anyone knowing, well I still do up until now. I just felt that I could never move on nor heal from her passing. I just learned how to grow with the grief inside of me. That is why I am never skipping birthday celebrations.
For the past years, I have been missing out on family occasions due to academic obligations. When we had face to face classes back then, I would often choose to be left behind at home because I had a myriad of school works to accomplish. I thought I was doing the right thing but as years went on and after losing a loved one, I realized that it's all about work-life balance. I must be able to have a life besides being a student because I also have other roles such as being a daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and friend. I realized that I must change my mindset of needing to be excellent in my academics because there is more to life.
So much for the realizations, I would want to now share some photos of my maternal grandmother's 80th birthday bash. Due to health protocols that we needed to follow and since we also did not want to risk my grandmother's health since she is asthmatic, we invited only a limited number of guests, just people who are close to her heart. We gave her the freedom to choose who to invite because apparently it was her day and all that we wanted was to see her face brighten up.
We were all gathered at our home in the province to celebrate her 80th birthday and I know I could not miss it since we all missed her birthday last year since I was preoccupied with school works. The only one missing was my uncle who currently works overseas as a sous chef. Most of the desserts displayed on the table were baked by my aunt, who is talented in pastry making. Most of my mother's siblings truly have a talent in the kitchen.
Portraits of the Celebration
I am so glad that I decided to go home to celebrate this special day with her. It was worth the 4-hour road trip. Tomorrow is never promised so cherish every moment with your loved ones because they are not getting any younger. Time cannot be bought and it is constantly fleeting so spend it wisely.
lifewithera is a 22-year old, college senior, an aspiring yogi, a furmom, and a wanderer, who writes stories about her personal life, mental health, fitness, travel, and just anything and everything her heart wants to speak. If you want to get to know her more, then you can connect with her through various social media platforms.
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Wow, your Lola Looks so young at 80! Guapa! Walang kupas.. 😻😻😻😻
Thank you so much dear!! It felt like she did not age at all 🤗
Happy birthday lola 😍. Looks young to be 80 tho. I wish her good health and happiness.
I really know how lossing a grandparent feel like. We do wish we have more time with them. For sure your other lola is in a happy place now.
Thank you Mary!! Yes, I do have regrets since I was not able to spend more time with her but she's always in my heart🥺💕
Happy happy birthday to your grandma sis. 🥰.
I don't have a grandma anymore both sides.
Cherish every single moment you have with your grandma and love ones. 🥰
Thank you dear!! Yes, definitely would never miss an opportunity to get to spend time with them🤗🤗
Yeah right. Always make the most being with them. 🥰
Wow, 80 years of existence. Truly deserve to celebrate. Happy Birthday to your lola @lifewithera.🎂🥂🎉
Thank you laica!!🤗🤗 it was really a beautiful celebration for her 🥺
Nice! you're welcome era 🤗.
Such a beautiful family. Murag kahibaw nko asa nmo nakuha imong pgkashupa! ahahhahaha. Happy Birthday Lola. Hope to see you soon! Char! See you in Bato!
Hahahahah of course in runs in the blood?🤣🤣 thank you Kuya! Can't wait for you all to visit there soon🤗
@dzeizon alams na!
@lifewithera, sugata mi skina.. padung nami! Hahahaha!
linyahan sa mga laagan!
Hahahaha! Ofcorz
What a heart warming post! Happy Birthday Grandma and happy you made the trip :-) great photos and thanks for sharing :-)
Thank you so much! The trip was so worth it since she was really happy🤗🤗
happy birthday to your grandmother, at the age of 80 your grandmother still looks young. very nice day on his birthday.🥰
Thank you so much!! Yes, indeed it felt like she did not age 🤗🤗
Happy birthday to your grandma. She looks really strong and still young. Wish her stay young and good healthy.
Thank you so much @sreypov, I guess it's because she keeps herself healthy. I hope you are well and safe with your family as well🤗
Happy birthday to your Lola. 😊 Can you please ask her what's her secret to looking young? 😄
Thank you Klaire!! I guess her secret is choosing to be happy and contented everyday. She lives quite a peaceful life in the province🤗😍
Lahi ragud ang kinabuhi sa probinsya 😊
HAPPIEST birthday to your dear Lola, era😘💕💖
Thank you so much Jong😍🤗
Strong and gorgeous at 80. Happy Birthday to your grandma @lifewithera ❤️.
Thank you so much🥺✨
Happy belated birthday to your grandmother. I am glad you were able to make time to spend this special occasion with her.
Thank you so much! It was worth every second 🤗 Would always make time for family🥺
Happiest Birthday to your Lola!! May the Lord grant your family with more blessings💝💝 God Bless!!
Thank you so much! God bless as well🤗😍
Wow, super amazing. Love to see you caring about and making your grandma's day's special. It takes a lot of maturity to realize and remember the sacrifices and love of our elders for us. As usually after a certain age they get neglected for not catching up with the modern times and things that matter today, and feel most lonely. I appreciate you taking the time out. 👏
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Happy birthday Lola. You’ll live to celebrate many more years on earth. Best regards
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Thank you Asean Hive 🤗
Happy birthday to your grandma. Nice celebrating!❤
Thank you so much for dropping by 🤗😍
You're welcome 😊
Happy belated 80th birthday grandma you don't look a day over 60 😊
You are lucky to have your grandma with you and she looks young for her age.
Thank you dear! I am indeed so blessed to be able to spend time with her. That's so nice of you🤗
Happy Birthday to your Grandma 😍🥰
You look like her btw. 😊
It is all worth it driving long hours to see your loved ones. 😘
Thank you Sasha 💖💖 definitely! Since we got to bond together as a family🤗