Celebrating the New Year: A Journey of Renewal and Sorrow
As the clock hits midnight in our house, everyone chants, "Happy New Year!" The phrase represents the feeling of excitement that comes with the change of the calendar. It represents a new beginning, an opportunity to leave behind the past and welcome new opportunities. The start of a new year confronts me with a blank canvas, full with unwritten stories, untapped possibilities, and undiscovered aspects of myself. It's a time for making resolutions, setting goals, and becoming motivated by the expectation of what's to come. As the new year begins, resolutions are set, with some reconsidering whether or not to pursue them. The promise of progress and betterment hangs in the air, pushing me to embark on personal travels. However, among the excitement for the future, life's realities may cast a shadow over our festivities. We celebrated the New Year with my grandfather (tatang), who is striving to live forever. It hurts me to see my beloved Lolo fighting illness ...
