January 2011 Once again Connie and I extend through our prayers the gift of love and prosperity and abundance of cooperation in life to everyone. May the prayers we share to everyone transcend joy and hope in your lives. May you all continue to take interest in your lives and take ownership to your goals in life and to be successful. As the past year has drawn to an end there may be some of us in the family who will characterize the year in terms of the recession, the changes in the political landscape, the financial crisis that has shaken the global marketplace or the medical scare that has stricken the family, foreclosures, recalls, unemployment, health care bill and above all, the loss of a Great-grandpa, our family patriarch. However; when I look back at 2010, I reflect on the strength of our family(s) and the commitment of every family members to remain focused on the importance of our family bonding, culture and the common cause of being there for one another. The range of individual character(s) as we connect to one another in both successful aspirations and trial times, to once again be a resurgence to go beyond the limitations of gravity touching the sky with the over and beyond means you do to help one another, 2011 is certainly a year where "Family" comes first. Reforming, rebuilding, reassessing, restructuring; they are all different ways of saying the same thing, “family” above all else. Now it's up to us to ensure that our new family approach reaches its potential. Each of us family members is inundated one way or the other preventing us to participate for a common cause but in everything you do, being accountable and resisting complacency and striving for excellence of valuing family inclusion is itself finding inspiration when answers seem too hard to find in what unites us as a family. I hope that everyone find inspiration in the things that matter most to us all – family and friends, the past holidays is a much needed reprieve. I hope you look back at the year and share everyone’s pride with the thought that we care and we do it making a difference in the family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for touching our lives with your love. We thanked you for the gentleness of your hospitality in numerous times during our visits and for the courage that we have gained from feeling your caring, sharing and for extending the family cord of togetherness. We are grateful for all the happiness in which you all have filled our hearts in bringing us closer and growing together as we begin with the New Year 2011.
December 2010 Family faces are magic mirrors in so looking at the faces of family members who belong to us, we see certainly the past, the present and the future. We make discoveries about ourselves even if the bond that links our true family is not one of blood, but of “respect”, “joy” and to bonding “sacraments” in each other's life. Family is essential because we all yearn to feel like we belong to something greater than ourselves. Call it a “clan”, or call it a “network”, or call it a “tribe”, and or call it a “family” and whatever you want to call it, whoever you are, you need one since; our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted in the end, for life teaches us what is important and that is family. Often times we argue and have misconceptions in beliefs and petty annoyances to one another, in metaphor; like branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one for life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation in the end, life teaches us what is important, and that is family for the best effect of a fine family person is felt after their presence. In metaphor; some family "trees" have beautiful leaves, and some have just a bunch of nuts. Remember, it is the nuts that make the tree worth shaking and when you have understood your part, you don't have to look up to your family tree, because you know that you are the "sap". A family member who sends out positive thoughts activates the world around the family positively and draws back to everyone with positive results. Family children have never been very good at listening to their “elders” but they have never failed to imitate them, so be true to who you are and the family name you bear with curiosity, confidence, courage, constancy and confidence all the way implicitly and unquestionably. There are many times when the family grind of our daily lives makes it hard to feel grateful for anything. It is so easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the negative that we forget what we have to be grateful for. The irony is that taking the time to focus on what you are grateful for at the difficult times in your life is exactly when it can help you the most. Therefore; learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow, knowing yourself and respecting your elders… that’s family righteousness. For this month of December 2010, let us follow the small family voice that speaks to our spirit in leading the way of reminding us the gift of life’s birthday for the family love ones in Mely M., and Christopher R. and also 48th Wedding Anniversary of Uncle Ding & Auntie Letty O. November 2010 Last month was “Cancer Awareness Month”. Our family cancer survivors are; Uncle(s) Junior and Cris; Colon Cancer, Auntie Mely with Nasal Pharyngeal, Auntie Saling with Breast Cancer (dec) and this month of November is the Susan Komen Breast Cancer walk, once again we have to gather as one family group and partake in representing the voice of our family breast cancer survivors in Uncle Marcel and Auntie Connie. Let us bring out our family “Breast of the West” banner and do the walk; Bernard is once again spear heading this effort with family and friends. Let us all instill a sacrifice as an indispensable gift of reality to our beloved survivors, honoring their will to survive with our enduring love and participation. This effort is more than just participation but a gentle reminder that this dreadful disease affects any one, sharing our inner strength and support is essential to our family survivors. Our family cause is to help each other live every day and triumph over this dreadful disease. We share our time, contribution, information, coping skills, joys, and often tears. Yes, tears of joy because this is Connie’s 18th year of survivorship. It is Uncle Marcel’s second year of survivorship. Sometimes we find ourselves supporting each other through darker times as well, giving our survivors the strength to live on past their ordeal. This walking experience will result in a deep commitment of peer support for our love ones, so please accept the challenge and do it for family sake and family love. We each have an amazing ability to share a special moment of our time, helping family member to see the beauty and wonder of themselves, and to be more than they thought possible. Our thoughts and words and deeds flow from us when we truly do it for family love. We may think no one is listening, but our words do not fall void to the earth. So whether it is a smile or a scowl; a criticism or an encouraging word, we have the power to contribute for the sake of the family. Sometimes we become consumed with our differences. We sometimes allow ourselves to be separated from family mainstream as well as be separated from other people by focusing on differences and shortcomings. Somewhere in our journey we "changed" because we believe when there is something large to overcome; we need to build a bridge. Live and let live, build a bridge and for those participating to the upcoming Breast Cancer walk, your participation is the bridge for Uncle Marcel and Auntie Connie. Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, the bridge you provide will also; be their strengths. For this month of November 2010, let us follow the small voice that speaks to our spirit and be leading the way reminding us the gift of life’s birthday for the family love ones in Newin O., Jennifer C., and Lory R. This month’s Wedding Anniversary celebrants are; Jojo & Mia O. and Orly & Marie Noel R.
October 2010 The mistake so many people make is taking for granted what they already have. They are so busy focusing on what they lack and working towards something of value; a new car, a new house, more money etc., that when they don't get it, they feel they have failed. My point is to focus on what you already have; you need to be grateful for what you already have in order to move forward from a position of power. Yes! the power of luck! It is much easier to grow from a position of confidence and joy than from a position of lacking the thoughts of being positive. When do you most feel motivated to do things? When you are happy, any task you have to do takes much less effort than when you are feeling unhappy. When you start from an attitude of gratitude, everything flows so much more smoothly. It brings you back to the “here and now” forcing you to live in the present, rather than stay stuck in the past or worrying only about the future. Laugh your way to good luck. Think that your life is a charm, lucky people, have the way via some basic principles -- seizing chance opportunities; creating self-fulfilling prophecies through positive expectations; and adopting a resilient attitude that turns bad luck around them. While unlucky people miss chance of opportunities because they're too busy looking for something “else”. Lucky people see what is there rather than just what they're looking for. Unlucky people tend to say this would be their bad luck to be in the bank during the robbery while lucky people say; it could have been worse. This kind of thinking makes people feel better about themselves, keeps expectations high, and increases the likelihood of continuing to live a lucky life. Now you know Debra Jo's secret? At the Casino, funny in all actuality, people create their own break rituals aimed at eliciting help from make believe powerful trinkets with non denomination value. Hand movements, lip synch with gods of non-existence, a funny prayer, an amulet only to ease the impact of misfortune. Simply, when you invest in corruption, you are taking a risk and distort your behavior affecting the good and bad fortune of encounter. Then they forget how to outline the principles of luck, unlike reacting like lucky people’s insistence to open opportunities, breaking routines and to deal with bad luck by imagining things could be far worse. When lucky people wins, they share the loot, spreading the luck and at the same time being surrounded by luck. Now, how lucky could you be this way! Gratitude and sharing are main ingredients of being lucky…remember I have an open hand to receive. For this month of October, let us follow the small voice that speaks to our spirit and be leading the way reminding us the gift of life’s birthday for the lucky love ones in Marcelino Jr. E., Trisha M., Joseph O., Baldomero V., Marie Noel R., Emma R. and Anthony E. This month’s Wedding Anniversary celebrants are; Cris & Cora O. and Bernard & Rohanee C
September 2010 The matter of us in spirit is in a place between shadow and light. There in the quietness, and peacefulness beyond reach of the physical world, we catch a glimpse of an awareness of the mystery in reverence of nature and seeking spiritual awareness, perhaps a still quietness of peace within ourselves. But sometimes our lives are too crowded to let this spiritual path take its place into our lives because, somehow; we fill it with our busy schedule, shopping, cooking, cleaning, working, and perhaps even studying. At times even our emotions also can leave no room for our spiritual path to settle in to our lives due to grief, anger, jealousy, impatience, panic, and carrying grudge that fill the space of our lives. There is more to this life than we fully understand, yet we trivialize this befitting mystery of our lives. We attempt to label everything, if we can’t figure it all out we are not happy and if ever we do figure it out we are not happy either. Where do we go then when the mystic aspect of our lives is gone? My best answer is to let go of trying to figure everything out and live in the moment to be bless with each given day of living the best you can for there is no assurance of the next day coming. Let us all begin the month of September, to walk each tide of the days’ event, to feel the Supreme presence and to be at peace with our spirit, trusting that there is more than enough of all the we need each day, giving thanks and rejoicing for being blessed beyond measure by our ultimate sacred mystery who is our God Supreme. August 2010 (deactivated) July 2010 (deactivated) June 2010 (deactivated) You may leave this world a better place than it was before you got here! Simply by becoming strong and courageous in finding your purpose of your joy in all the significant events in your life, however; things are not accomplished when we get distracted. Sometimes the road twists and turns and the path are not quite as clear and without a vision or hope, we would come and go. Numerous great works have changed the world when someone was willing to press on, to look fear straight in the eye and take a risk. The key is not do too many things at one time. To be able to move to a life of significance, we must focus on one thing at a time. Big dreams, daring adventures, exciting lives are available to us as we seek a higher purpose. The problem I find in myself is, if I am not quite sure of the next step on my significant task, then I distract myself so I don’t have to continue to step forward. I look through different venue and do something different and the big important thing vaporizes at that point and nothing is accomplis either. We want our lives to count for something. Each one of us is capable of being a positive force within us, specially our involvement with our family clan. We could leave this world a better place and we are aware that our body clock is ticking. We are aware of it most at the close of each year making us a year “older” each time. So, how can we make the next coming year count? No problem; it is only physical – mental, let us add another significant action of higher awareness, which is spiritual and here it is, "I pray for guidance to contribute that thing that is my own special gift and that may you find yours and share it with our family clan". Let us then press on toward this goal, stay focused and enjoy your life of great significance, and focusing on what is important like in the month of June is the birth month of Grandpa Ciriaco’s 100th as well as Makaelyn and Manny.
May 2010 There is a “Spark” in each one of us. Every one of us came into this world with unique gifts and talents from the Creator. We certainly possessed the ability to create lives of significance, doing specific goodness and we all know that the world is not complete without us human beings. Perhaps, if we can only try to find our “spark” in summing up all our human attributed abilities to work, to create, to discover our higher purpose and goals in our lives, we can compel and make effort to grow and find our meaning, after all; life is about growth. In other words, let us find that “spark” in attaining growth. We can simply far more better our meaning in life in the right direction and simply be God’s own. I am so grateful to live where I am allowed to pursue growth, goals in my life, enjoy my family in the company of my wife and practice my belief in the Almighty. We all live in a place where freedom of thought and ideas are valued, I am blessed doing the things I like sharing to our big family my ideas and to write to everyone communicating with efficiency. This binds us all together and every successful family clan begins with a positive attitude of maintaining a winning state of relationship, instilling confidence within the clan, strengthening the cord of togetherness in life, physically, emotionally and spiritually in all aspects of family dignity and integrity. Yes, each of us has different views, however; there are times when we break bread together, have spirited debates, have fun relaxing or doing outdoor events and when we do these gathering, we share hugs, dreams for our future and the future of our children. Don’t forget we also share the sorrow as well as the joy of the day to day life, encouraging each other the humility and gentleness with patience, showing tolerance for one another in family love and values in the manner worthy of calling. Special mention for the month of May - Happy Mothers' Day to all the wonderful "Moms" in the family clan. Birthday Greetings to: Auntie Cora, Christie O., Junjun O., Debra Jo S. and Auntie Carol. Also; Happy Anniversary greetings to: Uncle Marcel & Auntie Celia and to Jun & Cynthia.
April 2010 Our journey begins, the week that changed the world as we know has started and it is the journey to the cross. We look from our perspective today, and 2000 years ago Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is a celebration and during that time, people laid down their cloaks, and palm branches and celebrated the spirit of God made known to us. They sang songs! They rejoice! There was great excitement as Jesus entered the town. People crowded around and watched and cried out “Hosanna”. Some understood the Messiah had come without a doubt. Some had heard rumors, some were curious, some were skeptics. No one knew that day what would happen in a week. It is a different perspective for us today, as we know what is in store for us. As everyone knows, we are family(s) practicing Christian with different perspective in mind, we know there will be trials, betrayals, suffering, pain and journey eternal. I am writing this because, I didn’t get the job I was longing for and I am bummed out, but I know it wasn’t meant for me, also; because we have love ones who are suffering from illnesses, some from dreadful decease and one nephew is “heart broken” wandering where his heart would lead him to? Would you lay down your cloak and what would you lay down for the family? Give up “meat”, “alcohol”, “stop investing in corruption that is at the Casino”? Or better yet, would you go back later and retrieve what you had laid down for them? The matters of the spirit are in a place between shadow and light. There in the quietness, and peacefulness beyond reach of the physical world, we catch a glimpse of an awareness of the mystery of God. With joy we come before Him, laying down our pain and suffering, releasing our anger and heavy burdens. There is more to life than we understand, yet we trivialize the mystery, we attempt to label everything. If we can’t figure it all out we aren’t happy, if we do figure it out we aren’t happy. Where do you go when the mystery is gone? The celebration of our blessing of redemption is a week away. So family, help each other to find comfort, truth and grace amongst ourselves with the Almighty. Be still, walk, feel His presence, peace, give thanks, rejoice, worship, follow that instinct voice of yours speaking to the spirit. When we make the sign of the Cross, in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we don’t even think that the Cross was the instrument of death, we make the sign of the Cross to live and be thankful for the moment today. Happy Easter! Special mention for the month of April - Birthday greetings to; Rohanee, Auntie Gloria, Orly, Auntie Letty, Ren, Bella-Emerie and Mervin. Also; Anniversay greetings to Ramon & Mely, Grands' Ciriaco & Emerita, Doanld & Carol, Steve & Christine. March 2010 As we begin the early days of the month of March, the year is still new, many of us still contemplating the hope of changing something in our lives. I want my life to improve in 2010. My personal goal is to slim down and eat less, it is easy to say, but it is in my mind. We all have something, smoking, drinking, gossiping, overeating, and wasting too much time on video games and internet surfing, and countless other things. “Let he who is without sin toss the first rock”. The important thing to know is we can overcome. We are more powerful than we realize. What ever we want to do, do it now today!. Don’t even think about or worry about tomorrow. Time is a finite resource. How will we use it best today? Let us move our heart to our family to assist in the best possible way, it is time for the pity parties to stop, right now, do these 7 things and then go out into the world and shine a light into the family’s heart.
I pray for each of you to have a fantastic 2010. May God shower you with his rich blessings and may he speak to you and hold you in his love. Special mention for the month of March - Birthday greetings to; Auntie Celia, Melanie, Malaya, Topher, Grandma Leonor, Auntie Chit, Angie and Jasmine. Also; Anniversay greetings to Mark and Evelyn, Mervin and Debra Jo.
January - February 2010
The flower reminds me of how I must look to the casual observer; a little wind blown, not symmetrical, slightly disorganized and undisciplined. Never the less, I show up in full bloom with the grace, passion and form that God gave me. I enjoy the new trends and writing it on our family site as many other writers do so encouraging excellence, simplicity, passion in our daily work and passionate generosity. Family members around us are sharing lessons learned, giving helpful hints, and daily encouragement to our daily living. This is part of a family togetherness, if you will. It is about what we do for each other as a family. It is often about what we are willing to give of ourselves sharing with others. For there is an order to the universe that may not match our perception of order and achievement, but the events are not all random, and there is a “Divine” order. Each experience is a step toward our future and if we choose, can build our strength. Each lesson learned, however painful, prepares the way for us on how we deal with future experiences and how we might learn to love to the fullest. So we express and extend to everyone by saying; God, thank you for the beauty of the day and of the season. Bless everyone in our family to discover the nature of you, as we lend a helping hand or kind word to others. Allow us to cross over the barriers of distance, occupation that is keeping us apart, and social status to find our higher purpose and compassion in serving one another. Bring your divine order and simplicity to our lives. Let grace and loving kindness shine from each of us and so family, let us bring out the best in each other. Let us be a “blessing” for every one, every day for the rest of the month of February. Special mention for the month of February to; Kaya O., Cassandra D., Ren and Rosemarie R., Newin and Angie O., Ramon M., Bernard C. and J.A.B.
December 2009 " Sentiments of 14 Years ????"
Talents, perseverance and above all confidence to ourselves, we must believe we are gifted for something and must be attained, then; talents becomes alive, and we discover ourselves being greater than by far than we may ever dreamed ourselves to be. Take it slowly. The deepest resentments are wrapped up in a lot of hurt and pain. We think we're protecting ourselves by not forgiving. Acknowledge that and go easy on ourselves. Forgiveness means that we've decided not to let it keep festering inside even if it only comes up once in awhile. Forgiveness is a powerful yet challenging tool that will support and honor us, even in the most extreme circumstances in such case, severed marriage. Many people are afraid to reconcile because they feel they must remember the wrong or they will not learn from it. The opposite is true. Through reconciliation, the wrong is released from its emotional stranglehold on us so that we can learn from it. Through the power and intelligence of the heart, the release of forgiveness brings expanded intelligence to work with the situation more effectively. If you really care about your marriage relationship, care is the ingredient that keeps true relationship alive despite separation, distance or time. Care gives latitude to another person and gets you past the dislikes and annoyances. Quiet simply, caring sustain love going back to its source. Grandpa Ciriaco once said, “Time” heals, give yourself some time off and then heal ready to reconcile.
NOVEMBER 2009 " Sentiments of my 17 Years of Breast Cancer Survivorship" by: Connie Orante-Bersamira # 324735 Thank you for supporting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by participating on the 13th “Susan Komen Race for the Cure” and on behalf of my family; I truly value your support, participation and presence at the Race in Balboa Park. It is my 17th year of survivorship and I’ve learned the pain of life is the pain of being alive, it is my constant battle... it is my perpetual wound, but with love and patience, nothing is impossible, to know the value of Hope, it is necessary to have suffered from the cold indifference of occurrences....simply the on-going trials of my life. But with you “Fight On” is the order of this year’s race for me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your participation and contribution to the Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer, Thank you to all of you very much for your love and caring for me. I continue to prosper gaining strength in life from your continued support of kindness and with your prayers and your participation for this race for the cure. I am blest for all the happiness in which you all have filled my heart with enormous happiness experience. I am humbled giving meaning to live for, as you are all precious to me. On behalf of all the patients and survivors who will benefit all year long because of your generosity and participation, thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many today, and for generations to come. Please help me continue this fight until a cure for breast cancer is found, I am well on my way and I look forward to seeing you again next year! – In 2010, if I am still around. Thank you, yet again for my renewed strength.
Family Message - September 2009
God gave each of us unique talents and gifts, how we choose to use them affects the quality of our lives, and the quality of other peoples lives. We are all capable of doing amazing work and if we believe that; we can accomplish it by way of a positive attitude. An attitude can make or break a relationship, a religion and most importantly a home or a family. We have a choice regarding the attitude that we make in our day. We cannot change the fact that should act in a certain way realizing that we’re in charge of our daily attitude. Attitude plays a very important role in our lives. It is more important than our present, pasts, future, our failures, our successes and other circumstances on what we think, say or do. There are a couple of ways of adjusting our attitude and it actually work. One factor is spiritually in centering our prayer the best possible way we can. Our attitude simply change during a prayer talking with God about how we can utilize our unique and creative talents, (each of us has a unique talent) and what is best that certainly could lead us to make the first step. Find today in an attitude of gratefulness knowing all good things come from above. We are blessed and there is more than enough to meet all our needs. We should thank God with attitude for the richness in our lives. In attitude that richness is not a numbered possessions, but rather the depth of our joys with family, friends and by how we use the attitude we have to share with others outside our comfort zone. At times we have the attitude of thinking about owning a big house, owning a million dollars, or on a vacation or some other thoughtful thoughts suppressing melancholies’, but a good frame of attitude takes you down to a different level of desire and you start stating “want” on what you want in relationships and meaningful work. It can get you started to find your path to amazing situation. So let us; smile at people or laugh and laugh some more, be considerate of the feeling of others, be helpful, be friendly and get interested in people, talk less and listen more, eat right and get enough exercise physically and mentally, take one day at a time, find some time to be alone and meditate and develop a forgiving attitude.
"Gratitude Journal for the month of August 2009" - by Basho Fat Sumo Being thankful changes a person’s attitude. I have started a gratitude journal. Everyday I sit for a couple of moments and reflect on what I am grateful for. It changes my entire day. Gratitude Journal # 01 - August 1, 2009
There is always a moment connection when you sneeze in public and a complete stranger says “Bless You”. This is kind of likeable; so much in fact, I think we should send blessings to each other all the time. At first I never understood why people say so, the blessing. Throughout my experience in life, I know that lots of thought and debate are given to Karma. If I am angry with someone and express it, does hot coffee get spilled in my lap later? I don’t know about Karma, probably my Dogma..?? I believe what goes around, comes back around. I also know for sure that giving a blessing to someone is a wonderful gift. I do believe there is much suffering in the world. Cursing and hatred have never mended or made anything better so far. Forgiving each other, praying for each other, blessing each other. Now that removes the power of misery and suffering. It may still exist, but you can get a reprieve from it. Walk in love and be generous with blessings today. (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 02 - August 3, 2009
Today I am so grateful that many American servicemen and women will be coming home from Iraq. I know some will remain in an advisory capacity, but I want them all to come home. Holy God, I lift up the men and women who are coming back to the United States after serving in a war with a vague enemy. I would pray also for the souls of all those who perished. Help those who return to assimilate back to society into a peace-time country. Let them find the help they need to adjust to time with family and find peace in their spirits. Let them know they are appreciated and respected. (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 03 - August 6, 2009
I am always amazed at the righteously indignant siblings of mine who publicly sued me in court. And I am always taken aback at the immediate access to intense hostility they are able to project to me in my weakest moment of my life. I thought about them who had verbally attacked me a few years ago and I got this sick at my stomach feeling. I wondered if I had truly forgiven them. Why do I take these things so personally? They might have been having a bad intention during my weakest day of my life. Perhaps they might be mentally ill due to their selfish motives. Can I think of any other reason for anger at them, when they did this to me? I don’t know that I need to let bullies at such and the self appointed wickedness ruin my day or my life, but I know there are hurtful situations between siblings and between friends, between co-workers and casual passers-by that a little forgiveness, grace and forgetfulness could help a lot. For a long time I carried a little piece of paper in my wallet that said, “While you are carrying a grudge, they are out dancing.” Today I realize it is true. I now carry a piece of paper that says "Prayer Power Work Wonders". I used to work with a person who had a motto; forgive and remember. I think the remember part is easy. Probably it is good idea to keep current on my prayers of forgiveness. Probably it is a better idea to forget. (Basho Fat Sumo)
Gratitude Journal # 04 - August 7, 2009
An exciting event is taking place and I can honestly feel it. I am writing my gratefulness and I call it my “Gratitude Journal”. This is of course available only on the Basho Fat Sumo web link. These are results of listening for the still small whisper of God’s voice when I am commuting to work. It also is a result of my passion to communicate with Him, and to develop and strengthen my spirit by lingering in His presence. I want to thank my wife, Connie for her support and encouragement but of course I want to thank God for blessing me with creativity and inspiring me to write about the wonder and joy of being grateful through prayers. (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 05 - August 7, 2009
Today there is a new part of my journey, setting aside a special prayer for Mark who is dear to me. Knowing him, it was extremely difficult to go on with his situation, family, work, recuperation and rehabilitation. In my prayers for him today, I felt all along that God was there for him, however; I could not feel the presence of the Spirit of God within me. I think I abandoned God. If he loved me, how could all this have happened? In deep sadness it is difficult to concentrate in prayer while maneuvering a vehicle to work. But a gratitude prayer in redeeming God, to bring life out of dead ends as well as hope in the midst of despair to dwell in Mark’s present condition to be changed and used for good. Life may not always be fair and circumstances can be difficult, but with God all things are possible. May this gratitude prayer bring strength to Mark to be able to make it through the storms that life sends. God thank you for being the rock and strength of Mark, you are his defense and his deliverance now, renew him and his spirit. Amen. (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 06 - August 8, 2009
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the family clan for such a tremendous joy that you have shared with me as a member of the family. I am humbled and I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and I am truly thankful to be able to continue in fulfilling God’s will for everyone. Thank you all for lighting my path, for your acceptance, for your kind words and please accept my admiration to everyone and above all, I thank the Lord for blessing me ability to serve our family large or small, tremendous or tiny, to be subservient to the well-being of everyone to serve you all and to experience the miracle of a new beginning a chance to make something extraordinary for everyone within our family. Basho Fat Sumo at your command and at your service, to work the ability to choose wisely, to prosper, to succeed, to inspire everyone to listen with your heart and to glimmer the truth that provide advice and inspiration for all in return. In gratefulness of your time with the family newsletter/website. (Amen) (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 07 - August 8, 2009
Every night as I put Jacob down to sleep, I say thank you for the wonderful day. Every morning when I pick him up for a morning hug, I say thank you for the opportunity to share my life with my blessing! Love, Gratitude Journal # 08 - August 9, 2009
In my growing infant and young developing mind I work it all out. Sometimes being flexible and open to other ideas of learning from my family circle can be better. I surprised my grandparents tonight when I was asked, what is my name and I said, Bey-Yah (Bella) and I was asked how old I was and I said, I am two years old as indicated by my index and thumb fingers. Holy and powerful God, we open our hearts and mind today to the unlimited good you have for Bella’s life. We are grateful that you care so much for her and your blessings her life is far greater than we can even imagine. Let her be flexible and able to bend without breaking where the winds of change can put her on course to find the right direction in shaping up her life. (Amen) Grandparents Basho & Connie Gratitude Journal # 09 - August 10, 2009
Lord accept our grateful prayers and please purify Bella’s living life keeping her healthy, sound and safe. (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 10 - August 12, 2009
Holy God, I pray this day for my family members to be healed. There are those who need to recover from surgery, some need to recover from flu and other illness and today a special mention to our dearest “Tatay”, Grandpa Ciriaco and our joy and pride Bella-Emerie. There are some also in the family seeking peace and wholeness in their spirit and we thank you God, from whom all healing comes. Watch over us all and keep us well and safe. Amen (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 11 - August 14, 2009
They don’t come with a blinking neon sign that says “Happy Birthday!” I have to live it and seek, recognize and acknowledge it. I am open to the idea that birthdays happen with miracle all around me, as I am experiencing it. Thank you for blessing me a “living Angel” of my life in Connie. She have been my birthday miracle and help me squint a catch of glimpse to the future, making a feeble attempt to prepare for it, for there is only now my chance to serve you and my family. Thank you God, help me find the opportunity to live open my life to fun and adventure. Open my heart and spirit to generosity and wisdom. You have given me the gift of life and each day presents opportunities to live my life to the fullest. Let me live well and discover the blessing you so richly bestow. Thank you God, for the miracles of today as it adds again another day to my life. Help me to see, recognize and to appreciate the miracles in my life. Watch out for all of us in my family, and help us to watch out for each other. Amen (Basho Fat Sumo) Gratitude Journal # 12 - August 15, 2009
Gracious God, I am praying and inviting the Holy Spirit to fill these grandchildren naming; J.R., Joanna, Anthony, Christopher, Makaelyn, Jasmine, Malaya, Marichele, Emma, Cassandra, Kaya, Bella-Emerie, Jacob Wayne and Lory of the family clan in bringing that whisper of wisdom from you so that they may know your will.
May they stand in awe of the power you unleash and the love you have for them. May they be humbled by the Spirit interceding for them with prayers that are expression of their faith and their worship. Thank you God. Amen. (Basho Fat Sumo)
Family Message - August 2009
"Gratitude of a Family" by Uncle Marcel E. Tests, trials and tribulations were experienced by my family and me. However; throughout the ordeals, our faith guided us through persistent prayers, unwavering will power, the help of family loved ones and our love of God nurtured us through thick and thin. We prayed to God for his mercy to forgive our iniquities and that our family will be closer together, and the Almighty God responded to our fervent prayers and allowed us to be his worthy children. He provided us with the strength to conquer insurmountable difficulties. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, gave me a "second borrowed life”. From the bottom of my heart, I humbly thank Him. His healing hands and power has cured me from my illnesses and shunned away the pangs of death. God manifested to my family His untiring love, kindness and compassion. My family today is always thankful of His mercy and goodness that was bestowed upon us. In our daily prayers, He was there to listen and to answer our prayers. He provided my family and I, “hope” for getting well, and gave us opportunity to continue to love and serve Him. My profound gratitude, to my family love ones for their love, support and generosity that they continue to share with my family, always there to help us in time of need, also; the family circle of my parish members for their prayers.
Family Message - July 2009
"Parent's Day - 2009" by Christine K. Not many people know that the fourth Sunday of every July is Parent’s Day. It was signed into law in 1994 by President Bill Clinton for “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.” When I mentioned this to other people, quite a few mentioned this was a ploy for Hallmark to make more money. Is it? After the research I’ve done, I don’t think so. The bipartisan Congressional Resolution was established by religious, civic and elected leaders to promote responsible parenting and celebrate ideal parental role models. Was there really a need for this law? It seems that common sense would indicate no, but as our society struggles with effects of the disintegration of the family unit and worsening economy, there is a need to renew the core value of commitment to family. A family is made up of parents and children, with parents holding the crucial responsibility for nurturing and developing children – teaching them unconditional true love. Having become a parent only a couple of years ago, I now truly realize how difficult good parenting is. Work habits have changed to ensure I pick Jacob up on time from daycare…I can’t take work home like I used to since I have to pay 100% attention to Jacob when we’re home…I have to schedule get-togethers with friends around Jacob’s schedule and availability of babysitters. The amazing thing is that I do it not only because I have to, but more so because I WANT to. Regardless of how tired I am or how bad a day I had at work, the thought of Jacob running towards me with arms wide open yelling out “Mommy” erases the exhaustion or negativity of the day. When he doesn’t feel well, Steven and I don’t get a good night’s sleep. Each fall, bump, cut or bruise is watched closely (and with Jacob, we definitely watch a lot!). As I reflect on my time as a parent, it becomes apparent my parenting skills are a result of what I’ve learned from my family. My parents’ focus was to ensure I had what I needed to grow into a smart, loving, responsible adult. They did this because it was also what their parents taught them. We can all consider ourselves lucky because good parenting skills are inherent in our family. When I hear about newborn children dumped in garbage cans or children abused and neglected to near death, I cannot imagine what those parents were feeling or thinking as they leave the baby in the dumpster or as they lock up the hungry child in an isolated room. I say a prayer of hope for the children and the parents, and a prayer for gratitude for the parents I have been given. Parenting is definitely not easy, but with the investment, focus and commitment that my parents have taken in raising me and my siblings I am given the best example I can think of ideal parenting. If the signing into law of Parent’s Day is a ploy by Hallmark to make more money, then so be it. No greeting card can capture the gratitude I feel for what I have received from my parents. On July 26th, 2009 I celebrate my parents for the outstanding job they have done with this family. THANK YOU, MAMA & PAPA! I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!
Christine K. 07/05/2009 #324735 Family- July 2009
by Basho Fat Sumo Our family is the first social unit for developing the qualities of our heart and lives. As our family grows and moves through life together, inseparable in the heart, whether a biological family or an extended family of people attracted to each other based on heart resonance and mutual support, the word "family" implies warmth, a place where the core feelings of the heart are nurtured. Our family values represent the core values and guidelines that parents and family members hold in high regard for the well-being of the family. Sincere family feelings then are core heart feelings. They are the basis for true family values, while we have differences; we remain "family" by virtue of our heart connection. Being then a family member, we provide necessary security and support, and acts as a buffer against external problems. We are made up of secure people generating a magnetic power that can get things done. We are the hope for real security in a stressful world for our family. We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life. We are all connected to one another in the heart. As we reconnect with the ultimate source of love amongst every member of our family becomes possible through discovering the hidden power in everyone’s heart. We showed this love on "Mother's Day" last month, and this month we will again show that love on "Father's Day". We belong to the corner stone of society. More than any other force it shapes our attitude, our hopes, our ambitions, and our values for as when the family collapses it is the children that are usually hurt the most. When it happens on a massive scale the core relationship is crippled. So, unless we work to strengthen our family, creating conditions under which most parents will stay together, all the rest — schools, playgrounds, and public assistance, and private concern — will never be enough. To understand your parents' love, you must raise children yourself. A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional pet animal, and the common life’s challenges. The family you come from isn't as important as the family you're going to have. Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside our body. To see your outside addition is like facing a magic mirror. As we look at children belonging to us, we see the past, present and future. We see then our fulfillment that the world should go on for us. We become one of nature's masterpieces experiencing the greatest moment in family life taking a hint when a hint is intended — and not to take a hint when a hint isn't intended. The bond that links our true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. We belong to a large family, indeed, while we live to observe them stand a broader mark for sorrow; but then we stand a broader mark for pleasure too. Our family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice. Our happy family is but an earlier heaven…check your body clock, remember; families with babies and families without babies are sorry for each other. If you don't have one yet, adopt your parents! We stick together; don’t go astray…if you do, you still belong to the family, remember your roots. Our Family is YOU! Father's Day- June 2009
by Basho Fat Sumo A Father is... half of the social unit in a family in developing the qualities of the children’s heart. A true father figure grows and moves through life together in the family, inseparable in the heart. Whether a biological father or an extended father figure attracted to each other based on heart resonance and mutual support, the word "father" implies warmth, a place where the core feelings of the heart are nurtured. The role of a father represent the core values and guidelines that parents and family members hold in high regard for the well-being, security, support and welfare of the family. A father’s sincere feelings are core heart feelings, the basis for true family values. While there are differences between a father’s roles in conjunction to the mother’s role, it solidifies "family" by virtue of the heart connection. Father provides necessary security and support, and acts as a buffer against external problems; they are made up of secure people generating magnetic power that can get things done. They are the hope for real security in a stressful world. Unique in their role, always trying to make their way through unfolding puzzles of life, reconnecting with the ultimate source of love only possible through discovering and sharing the hidden power of the heart. As fathers, we must ask more of our children than they know how to ask of themselves. What can we do to foster their open-hearted hopefulness, engage their need to collaborate, to be an incentive to utilize their natural competency and compassion...show them ways they can connect, reach out, and weave themselves into the web of relationships preparing to meet society’s challenges. Intuition does not always appear as the ingenious breakthrough or something grandiose. Intuitive thoughts, feelings, and solutions often manifest themselves as good old common sense. Father’s common sense is efficient. It's not true that nice fathers finish last. Nice fathers are winners before the game even starts. For they are truly obsessed with doing that they have no time and no imagination left for being. As a result, fathers are valued not for what they are but for what they do or what they have—for their usefulness in a family. Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials. A father holding a child's hand — what tenderness it arouses, what power it conjures. You are instantly the very touchstone of power and wisdom. Happy Father’s Day ! Basho Fat Sumo 06/19/2009 324735
Mother's Day May 2009
by Basho Fat Sumo In tracing our roots, where most of our “clan-elders” came from, there is no such thing as Mother’s Day! Honor and Respect is culturally instilled. Here in the States, Mothers are honored once, a day in a year, commercialized where stores sells elegant, humorous, and the flowery tributes to moms. My mother's long and valiant battle for life ended twelve years ago. Following the funeral, I had opted to ponder and try to manage to step back onto life’s moving trends, this time without a Mom to confide to and the pain of being motherless is once again acute and I am back strolling and observing. I thought to myself, some mothers would go in all glory; laud and honor would go to them and die in legacy while my mother was, well, a "plain mother". My reflections brought me an epiphany on women, motherhood, priorities, and legacy. My mother changed lives without ever holding a conference call in modern state of the art office and with no savings nor expectation of stock options or even had a health insurance or even owned a car. My mother was "sort of dull", unable to conquer the world and relegated to the drudgery of daily working, housework, cooking, and nurturing. She lived a life of selfless dedication to a cause she knew would live on in perpetuity. She had wisdom I lacked. Even in her death she remains my teacher. Some mothers today are misguided women in this post-feminist era. I watched other mothers with great wonder and admiration because they are so different from the mother I had. They are not a slave to laundry, kitchen, cooking and cleaning. They are mothers who put those mundane tasks aside for the sake of jobs, careers, fitness center, restaurants, fancy cars, electronic gadgets, career oriented and any social events suburbia put together they are simply off to a roller coaster life style of the rich and famous, after all there is only one life to live. There is nothing I can point to in achievement or habit that does not have its roots in my mother. My mother devoted a lifetime to her children and encouraged me a lot by teaching me how to write and to spell and did not set aside the poems I wrote in grade school that I gave to her for money. Through them she lives on in perpetuity. A legacy of that magnitude does not come easily; she has the ability to leave a multi-generational legacy through her children. Her imprimatur is not just left on them; she took those customs, habits, traditions, and traits and passes them along to us, and so it goes. I truly thanked her for her generous encouragements. I understand that my other mother (mother-in-law) who passed away twenty five years ago, also; did the same venue caring for her children and left her mark that to pray for our loneliness may spur us into finding something to live for and great enough to seek for, which is love. She left her love which is the doorway through which the family soul passes from selfishness to service, from loneliness to kinship hence; a strong family today. Some of our generation X in the clan never met my mother and my other mother but their parting never left us a void, we us family continue to fill it with joy. A joy we received from their loving care. I could not find a card for Mother's Day that had a tribute from a son who finally understands the lesson his mother labored a lifetime, and then some, to teach. So, I wrote this offering my mother and my other mother as my tribute to their limitless legacy stemming from their sacrifices. I love you Mom Victoria, I love you Mom Emerita. As our calendars become more and more crowded with long playing non-event, events such as African American History Month, Latino Heritage Month, Asian Pacific Islander Month, and Himalayan Cultural Month, let us at this time turn our attention to that one day which was established as a national holiday 95 years ago to honor someone who really does deserve to be honored - mother. Mother's Day as we know it was started in 1907 by Anna Jarvis, a school teacher in Philadelphia, who began a movement to set up a national Mother's Day in honor of her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. She solicited the help of hundreds of legislators and prominent businessmen to create a special day to honor mothers. The first Mother's Day observance was a church service honoring Anna's mother. At that time Anna handed out her mother's favorite flowers, white carnations, representing sweetness, purity, and patience. Anna was no dummy. In 1912 she trademarked the phrases "second Sunday in May" and "Mother's Day" and created the Mother's Day International Association. Anna's hard work finally paid off in the year 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday in honor of mothers. It's interesting to note that Anna was very specific concerning the apostrophe in Mother's Day; it had to be a singular possessive, for each family to honor their mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world. This is also the spelling used by Wilson in the law making it an official U.S. holiday and by Congress. Slowly and gradually the Mother's day became very popular and gift giving activity increased. All this commercialization of the Mother's day angered Anna as she believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. Anna would probably be happy to know that Mother's Day never grew into Mother's Month and it probably never will. However the day has been hijacked somewhat by the politically correct forces in our society of late in an effort to turn it into an observance of women's "breast cancer" awareness day. This is like turning Father's Day into "testicle cancer" awareness day. Mother's Day should be the day that is set aside to honor one's mother, period. Do cancer awareness at another time, please. August would be a good month for example. Nothing much goes on in August except for Basho Fat Sumo's birthday. The 5th Commandment states "Honor your father and mother." In America we as a nation do exactly that on the second Sunday in May and the third Sunday in June every year. As individuals, of course, we should honor our parents all year 'round'. As far as religion is concerned, to honor doesn't mean to love, to excuse, to respect, or even to forgive. It means only to honor. Showing honor to your parents is the commandment. Loving and respecting is an extra special plus, so if you have parents that you dearly love and respect, as I did, then so much the better and good for you! It has been over 12 years now since my mother has been gone and not a day goes by that I don't miss her. This Mother's Day I wish I could again look into her eyes and tell her how much she has meant to me, how grateful I am for all she did for me, and yes, how much I loved her. I will never be able to do that anymore. Thank God I did it when I had the chance - Mom knew how much I loved her. Remember your mother this Mother's Day and honor her. I will remember mine and I continue to honor her…You can do the same! -----thank you for you time "Holy Week - Happy Easter"...
by Basho Fat Sumo As GOD is asking us to embrace new challenges and to respond with an open heart to the inevitable changes going forward in our lives, with health or evolving family concerns and relationships, we trust in God to these changes of moving times. The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, and sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice. EASTER is not a time for groping through dusty, musty tombs to disprove spontaneous generation or even to prove life eternal. It is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to reveal in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in procession, families gathered and cheered Him on. Families were meant to be there as we are a growing family of families together in humility, gratitude and trust. Holy Week, with its many rites and symbols, is a good time to acquaint our family with the great mysteries of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus Christ from his humble birth until his unjust suffering and death, ending with his glorious resurrection, He laid down His life, a sacrifice for all people of all times. His death purchased forgiveness and salvation for everyone. Jesus is not our Savior because He suffered a lot. Jesus is our savior because He showed us and taught us and enabled us to carry out the obedience and humility that all human life was meant to express. The gospels about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:25 - I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live) and giving sight to the man born blind (John 9, 10 - Christ giving sight to the blind) which announce Holy Week, can remind us, that Jesus has power to bring life from death and light from darkness. We share our prayers to everyone to “connect” with God; and be aware of His presence within us. My special tribute as I thank everyone in the family clan and friends for the beautiful memories of sharing life with our family and for the pleasure and joy we have received from thinking about all of you. This EASTER we extend our ultimate share in love to everyone in the family in Christ towards an abundant life of peace and harmony. We pray in one belief in the resurrection and the continuation of our human soul, stemming from our trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a way to everlasting life. Thanks to GOD for his indescribable gift of love to our family-members, and family- friends that surround us. -----thank you for you time
BASIC....April 2009
by Basho Fat Sumo It is no longer enough to be smart — all the technological tools in the world add meaning and value only if they enhance our core values, which is the deepest part of our heart. Now a days' acquiring knowledge is no guarantee of practical, useful application. Wisdom implies a mature integration of appropriate knowledge with elders, but we seldom talk to our elders, we seem too seasoned to ignore them. We simply act the ability to filter the inessential from the essential. Intuition does not always appear as the ingenious breakthrough or something grandiose. Intuitive thoughts, feelings, and solutions often manifest themselves as good old common sense. After all; common sense is efficient and better than nonsense. As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake our world of comfort — that is the myth of the technological age — as in being able to remake ourselves. We are too impatient; we forget the very basic elements of human attributes. Understanding, Motivation, Self-Improvement, Kindness and Wisdom is the pathway leading us to a successful path in life. Life's unfairness is not irrevocable; we can help balance the scales for others, if not always for ourselves. The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich our world of basic needs. Our own life is the instrument with which we experiment with the truth about nature’s basic element of air, without breathing it, we can not live. Another basic element is water. It is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong. A powerful computer is not operable without the very basic element of water that generates electricity. Let us stick to basic, after all; the best things in life are not free but priceless. Basic natural resources is priceless, breath the air and be part of God’s very basic gift. You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough. There must be more to basic life than having everything. APPRECIATION....March 2009 Basho Fat Sumo 324735
What you put out comes back. The more you sincerely appreciate life from the heart, the more the magnetic energy of appreciation attracts fulfilling life experiences to you, both personally and professionally. Learning how to appreciate more consistently offers many benefits and applications. Appreciation then, is an easy heart frequency to activate and it can help shift your perspectives quickly. Learning how to appreciate both pleasant and even seemingly unpleasant experiences is a key to increased fulfillment. You, yourself and the rest as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. Generally, appreciation then is some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval, and gratitude. In the financial world, something that "appreciates" grows in value. With the power tool of appreciation, you get the benefit of both perspectives; as you learn to be consistently thankful and approving, your life will grow in value. When you're in the grip of frustration, love can seem pretty much out of the question and simply care is going to be stretched to an extra ordinary effort. But appreciation is easy—even if it starts out kind of snide like, "I appreciate the fact I haven't fallen flat on my face ... yet." After a couple of stabs at it, you're going to stumble across one that sincerely touches you. Maybe it's your friends, your partner, and your loved ones. One strong dose of appreciation can turn your perceptions around to magnitude degrees. When I start appreciating, I look at it like business. I start by appreciating life itself. After all, life is really a gift. It might not always seem like that's true, but it is. If nothing else, it's a gift of discovery. So I appreciate that! Appreciation is like looking through a wide-angle lens that lets you see the entire forest, not just the one tree limb you walked up on. Appreciating each other is a true family value, one that will bail out much of the stress on the planet and help strengthen the universal bond all people have and within our family, we do. -----thank you
FAMILY GATHERING.......February 2009 Basho Fat Sumo 324735
During our lives we're faced with so many elements as well, we experience so many setbacks, and fight such a battle with failure, head down in the rain, just trying to stay upright and have a little hope. The family gathering was not just a get together, it tests your ability to get up early and do something worthy of cause, and it tests you spiritually and morally. It was a collective mission for the family. First and foremost, I would like to thank Rohanee for suggesting the idea of gathering together one Sunday morning to do a pilgrimage at the mission in San Juan Capistrano with a prayer visit at the side chapel of St. Peregrine, for Uncle(s) Marcel, Cris and Auntie(s) Connie and Mely. Thank you also; to Uncle(s) Ding and Cesar, Auntie(s) Letty and Gloria for such an effort to travel from up North to join in with the mission. Thank you also; to Uncle Donald and Auntie Carol for their outmost generosity in treating everyone to breakfast/lunch after the morning mass service. Lastly, I thank everyone whose presence made our pilgrimage a success. Your prayer participation shared the burden and divided the grief. Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. It is simply a matter of flowing with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing, this is the ultimate. The key elements in the art of gathering together are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our potential...the need(s) of the togetherness are best met when we meet the needs of family members. Ideologies simply separate us, however; dreams and family anguish bring us together. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, we should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that we are able to give. This is the true joy of life, by being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. In my own opinion that my life belongs to Connie and family, hence; with the clan, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for the clan what I can, we can all do the same. Thank you family! |
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The noted “Family” site, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain legally privileged and confidential information, so “Family” please safeguard or protect our site as necessary or deemed appropriately. All personal messages express solely my views and not those of any others unless otherwise contributed views by other family members. . "Basho Fat Sumo” – 2007
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Family Message Here...Basho Fat Sumo & Contributers 
Our devotion demands that we follow “You” faithfully, regardless of circumstances that we are subjected to. When we witness the episodes that our love ones go through in our own very eyes and we can not do anything about it and seemingly thinking that it is not going the right way, we panic! Lord forgive us, our devotion to you should be a True devotion for it is the only way to discover them during the period of trials and testing. God allowed these episodes that Bella went through to test our family devotion to your Son, Jesus Christ.
