Father's Eyes

Our story of the year, to welcome this year - 2012. . . Have a prosperous new year everyone and enjoy...

Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart.


Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere.
At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.
This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior.
All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench-warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.
When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a walk-on. Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.
The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared the son's excitement and received season tickets for all the college games.
This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram.

The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today"? The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."
Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear.
As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful team-mate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally, feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "22 You can go in."Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied.
In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His team-mates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard.
Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me, what got into you? How did you do it?" The young man looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?"
The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it."

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION: You & Your Partner

2012--- end of the world? or not?--- I say it is the end of 2011..:) A brand new year is coming, everyone is getting ready- ready for a get-up, ready for a prosperous year, ready for everything, getting ready for their resolution as well. New Years Resolution has a bad rap for being left unfulfilled; however there are differences of making a resolution as a lover or within yourself. There are possibilities that it can be fruitful and can grow yourself or make your relationship better. I encountered lovers or couples listed their resolutions, some fulfilled- some failed. This enumeration of resolution for couple will guide you to start this 2012 right, and keep the love burning all year long.

These holidays, people encounter tragedies, trials, and difficulties in life. Do something philanthropic. This season everyone feels charitable and generous. Many people volunteer for the homeless, or unfortunate ones. Nevertheless, a lot of organizations need to have volunteer not just during Christmas or New Year but on other months as well if need be. So, why not decide to join a volunteer work once a week with you and your partner.

Remember, that the generosity you do for others who needs it will come back to your relationship and to both of you a thousand folds.

Make intimacy a priority. When you think that the relationship is getting older and boring, usually intimacy wanes. It is good to make your relationship an exception by making this a priority and giving it an ample time. When you give time and attention to your passion and intimacy, you get updates with each other's needs and the changes you have, thus making your relationship grow more and meaningful through time.

Communicate with passion. Think before you say, but say it with passion. Communication is important, when dealing with intimacy being your top priority then communication should be along the wire during this moment. This helps give you a complete understanding of love- which you should see it with your partner.

Stop the power play. Power play is present in almost all relationship. No one really eats pride everytime there are arguements, and each of us holds desired power and authority. However, you can always put an end to this by, first- stop squabbling over petty things. It is unnecessary. Second, not keeping score. Third, keeping a sense of humor. This attitude should prevail among all characters you have- even dealing with pride. Always live by this "It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride."

Generosity is giving more than you can, than pride which is taking less than you need. Pride is seldom delicate, it will please itself with very mean advantages; and envy feels not its own happiness but when it may be compared with the misery of others.

A Blessed, Blissful and Prosperous New Year Everyone!!!!

THE ART OF IGNORING

I was busy lately preparing for the coming holidays and this yuletide season and from those busy days and the activities, I came across in some areas where we sometimes have to listen and ignore possible humors about every aspects of ourselves where people desires to destroy us.

I know it's a pretty straightforward way of having a blog for ignoring people, humors/talk, or feedback from other people - but this is for a purpose.

Focus is your framework towards reality. It is the fluid that makes something move, change and look alive. Without this focus, you'll get out of track. They might be but they aren't there for you, for your reality. Focus creates everything that surrounds you and is a subtle yet incredibly important shift form of your standard reality approaches.

Have you tried to ask yourself and think how reality works and happen within you? Wherein fact, reality is  just hanging there, independent of you and will just continue to be next to you.

If you feel like you already have the grasp of reality and cant influence it, then just think that everything in your life is the result of a pre-programmed set of events. There is already a plan and there's no way to resist but to follow to that plan. But you need to react like you have no power about it. Grab the responsibility like on the so called "destiny" or "faith".

Letting Her Go

A long story but I think it's worth of my time....maybe yours too...

"I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! " 

Jeanne's eyes were wide and filled with tears. She was afraid of what he would say to her.

Jeanne was a nerdy girl with thick glasses. She was a junior in her middle school. She was in love with the hottest guy in the entire school.

And now, she told him that she loved him.

"Haha! Shut up. Nobody would like you! Who do you think I am?"

Jeanne had feared he would say something like that. She was devastated. She started running. She didn't want to face him ever again. All these thoughts and feelings ran through her head. She continued running until she bumped into something.

"Hey, whats up?"

She had bumped into James.

"What?! I'll Go Tell Him! Where Does He Get That Nerve! Sometimes, I Don't Know Why I'm His Best Friend! That's It! I'm Going To Go Beat Him Up!"

"NO! James! Don't do it! It's not his fault. I was the foolish one to think we can ever date."

"But Jeanne!"

"No, it's OK! I should go."

"JEANNE... James grabbed her by the wrist as she was getting up. Don't go..."

Jeanne stared into his eyes and felt so warm and fuzzy; a feeling she didn't feel for a long time. She looked away awkwardly. She was staring into his eyes for such a long time that there was a awkward moment of silence between them. Then, she gently took her wrist out of James grasp and slowly walked away from him with tears in her eyes.

"Dammit, James! You really did it this time! Jeanne just left you! And why are you trying to hit on her?"

James walked back home with his hands stuffed in his pocket. Thoughts of Jeanne ran through his head. He didn't want Jeanne to be hurt by a jackass. He wanted to show her that he loved her. He wanted to show her he cared. But Jeanne seemed to just ignore him. Just as he was deep in thoughts, someone appeared in front of him. James stopped in his tracks to find himself starring at Jeanne again.

"Oh, I'm so sorry... I'm very, very sorry about knocking into you and leaving without saying a word. I'm sorry. Can I repay you somehow?"

"Jeanne", James said, lifting her chin. Jeanne looked through his soft eyes and almost melted.

"James..." said Jeanne. Suddenly, she started crying. James was shocked.

"J-Jeanne? What's wrong?"

"I' m s-s-such a f-fool! H-How c-c-can I e-ever th-think t-that E-Eric loves me?"

"Jeanne... I would not call that foolish... I actually admire you for having the guts to confess your love. However, crying about him is indeed foolish. Jeanne, don't cry about that jerk. Here, let's go to my house. We're right in front of it!" Jeanne nodded.

After a few tries, she gave up.James led her to the bathroom.

"Take off your glasses. We need to wipe those tears off." He said with a smile. Jeanne took them off without a word. James turned on the water and wetted a washcloth. Then, he gently wiped her tears off her face.

"James.. Do you love me?" James was startled by this omment.

"Why do you ask me that?"

"Because... it seems like it. Do you?"

"Haha! Jeanne, you are my friend."

"Oh... OK. I think I'm not so teary now. Thanks, James."

"No problem. Do you want something to drink?"

"Um... OK." She followed James out the door. He handed her a glass of orange juice and they sat down outside on a bench.

"Are you going to be all right?"

"Yeah... Thanks. But I don't think I'll be able to face him again."

"When he calls you something bad, just yell my name OK?"

"OK." she said with a small laugh.

"But what are you going to do when I call you?"

"I'm going to beat him up!"

"What if everyone starts hating you?"

"It doesn't matter. As long as the one girl I love is happy."

"Ooh, James! You like someone?"

"Yeah... Guess? I'll never tell you until you get the right answer."

"Hmm... is it Amy? She's pretty! What about Lauren? She's nice and quiet. Or is it Becca? She's generous. Or maybe it's Courtney! She's not all that nice though..."

AGE DISPARITY: Maintain The Equilibrium

Age plays an important role in a relationship. A large gap in years can mean more differences with your partner. Communication, interests, and lifestyle. It matters but it should not scare both parties if there is a potential nurturing and loving relationship. Instead of focusing on your differencs, it's good to highlight on similarities. It's good for your relationship to spend time on things you both enjoy, it makes the differences in age less significant if you have a framework based on common interests and understanding.

Feeling Younger

In the variation of age, this can hold an advantage and strength in a relationship if you permit it. A new and fresh perspective on life and lead to a wider idea on your horizons are factors and just few effects on people getting along with older or younger than them having a good amount of years being with those people. With your partner around, it can help reconnect you to a more vibrant lifestyle and gives you the feeling of getting younger. On the same note, there is much to be learned of from a person who has the experienced than not. More likely an old partner has passed the game of life that gives you an easier view of life than being with your peers.

EQUILIBRIUM

Going out of your comfort zone and giving in a little plays an important role on every relationship - no matter if you're on the same level or 20 years apart. Never do things that makes you feel uncomfortable, but that depends. If someone is younger than you, then try to go down the same with his once a month maybe - :) if you want to keep up this kind of relationship. Maintain the balance - the equilibrium on both parties, this showers respect with your partner and where they're coming from.

IT IS JUST FIGURES

The only way to hold on to a kind of relationship having a gap of ages between you and your partner is to bare in mind that this so-called AGE is just a NUMBER. Your friends, peers, colleagues, Families may be uneasy about the situation but take time to really introduce them to the person - YOUR PARTNER who he is, what he is, and bound to the person you're in love with that in this case your partner will surely do his part as well. It is a natural human reaction to second-guess things at times- but as long as you are comfortable and happy in your relationship with your partner whether they're 25 or 65, then who cares about age differences?

Love is such a beautiful thing. If you found it, manage to hold on to it, dont just let go. Count yoursel not just lucky but truly blessed. Some people let go of love, some fall out of love, some just take advantage on love, some just play love, but SOME PEOPLE HOLD on to the ties of what they called LOVE.

You truly love someone when you can feel every Joy, sadness, and pain of the others as if they were your own- no age was mentioned but never laugh on age difference coz you'll never know what will happen next. Be cautious!

Remember this quote, "You know you truly love somebody when they hurt you so badly, but all you can think about it is the times when they made you smile."

So every moment- a priceless moment is when the person that you have fallen in love with, would look into your eyes and would tell you that he/she is in love with you and would care not nor laugh and defend you when age differences takes out of control.

Defy Time: Does Age Matters in Relationship?

I was struck, nah not exactly the term "struck", I feel "stunned" - though still smiling a bit when someone laughed at the age of a guy is way too far from the age of a girl asked by her own brother- a 6 yrs gap between them...I felt discourage or dishearten hearing this, you see-- someone just laughed about the age, knowing it's the brother how much more what the other people say...Do you think it's the same words that uttered by her sibling or the opposite side?

This question of whether the age matter or not in a relationship concerns me, not just me but to most of people out there. Often debated by families and friends. 

As of now, I can say that the answer of this question is 'yes'. Age does matter- interests, differences influence relationships. There are areas need to be considered with relationships that have a noticeable difference in age. These issues are not insurmountable, however they are still considered as hindrance that need to be face on and dealt with if both parties decided to or want to..

Another major concern here is their biological functions. As they grow old their biological drives and needs change. As the other party is wanting experience in life a fast pace while the other wants to take it slow. In the early days of a relationship, this differences is stimulating and exciting, yet as it matures these differences will lead to conflicts and fights.

But all of this? It really depends on both parties. Remember, nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.  We grow old by deserting our ideals.  Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. So, age is just a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. 

And for those people who laugh and thinks it wont work? Here is for you, You are just as young as your faith, as old as your doubt;as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. You wanna know your age from there? CALCULATE? . . . :)



Age differences really matters in relationships, that in these days of people being in and out of failed relationships, it behooves couples to strive for having more things in common rather than differences. Couples having more commonalities on pressure better than those that have few in common.

Stay tuned for next chapter...

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Your Worst Habits Just Need To Be Reprogrammed!

You have the power to train your mind to choose what you think, instead of allowing random thoughts to hold you hostage. Your goal is to become inner-directed and focused, so that you decide what you want to think, rather than have your thoughts and emotions determined by the world around you. The untrained mind has more emotional ups and downs because it is reacting to random thoughts. Focus on what you want with joy and enthusiasm.

Remember, just like the Earth, your brain is capable...

You have the capability to practice your thoughts to select what you think, instead of allowing unique ideas to hold you hostage. Your purpose is to become inner-directed and focused, so that you select what you want to think, rather than have your ideas and mental baggage established by the community around you. The inexperienced mind has more mental pros and cons because it is reacting to unique ideas. Concentrate on what you want with joy and passion.

St Francis and St Claire

In this year of yuletide season, I guess it's good to prepare ourselves in the coming of Christ. After hearing a Sunday mass, I had a chance of viewing this film of two saints; St. Francis and St Claire.

The film presents the stories of two people who met: Francis, son of Peter Bernardone, the seller of fine clothes, and Claire, who comes from a distinguished family. Claire and Francis are two young people who undertook radical choices to respond to the call of Love without compromise. From their generous response to this call, a big family in the Church started and a universal message of peace and love was spread in the world.

I cant help but just love watching the movie. An almost 4hr movie continuously, from a 16 page booklet movie. It may not be a good movie, if you're looking for a good movie. But if you are looking for a responsible treatment of the lives of Francis and Claire, the beginnings of their movement, an educational presentation, a reflection of every deeds and how God works- this would be the right choice as every part of it or as a whole.

St Francis
July 19 1228
2 yrs after his death Francis was proclaimed saint by Pope Gregory IX

St Claire
Live on for another 27 yrs preserving francis spiritual inheritance and in 1255 proclaimed saint

Bowing in obedience to his successor, Francis abdicated leadership of the new order in 1223 and spent his remaining years in solitude and prayer. In his remaining years he composed Canticle to the Sun, Admonitions, and Testament. He is said to have received the sign of the stigmata before he died, and he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX only two years after his death.

His last words were reported to be, "I have done my duty. Now may Christ let you know yours. Welcome, sister death."

The Other Woman

A short story for this week:

A meaningful story that pays tribute to the most important woman in our lives.

After twenty-one years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping the spark of love alive. A little while ago, I started to go out with another woman. It was really my wife's idea. "I know that you love her." She said one day, taking me by surprise. "But I love You!" I protested. 

"I know, but you also love her."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who had been a widow for nineteen years. It was only possible to visit her occasionally due to the demands of my work and my three children.

That night, I called to invite her for dinner and a movie."What's wrong, are you well?" She asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. "I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you." I responded. "Just the two of us." 

She thought about it for a moment then said, "I would like that very much."

I drove over to pick her up on Friday after work. I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited at the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She was wearing a smile on her face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed." She said, as she got into the car. 

Yuletide Season

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. The season for everyone is coming fast and we may feel the presence or not, we need to prepare not just on material things but on spiritual as well.

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable itme; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.

The Cellphone

This is a real story of a young college girl who passed away last month in Chandigarh. Her name was Neha. She was hit by a truck.
She was working in a call centre. She had a boyfriend named Rajiv. They are true lovers. They used to always talk on the phone. You can never see her without her cell phone. In fact she changed her sim card from Airtel to Vodafone so both of them can be on the same network and save on cost.
She usually spends half the day talking with Rajiv on their cell phones. Neha's family knew about their relationship and Rajiv is very close with them. Before she passed away, she told her friends, “If I pass away, please bury me with my cell phone.” She told the same thing to her parents.
After her death, people couldn't carry her coffin. A lot of them tried to do so but failed. Everybody tried carrying the coffin but the result was still the same. They just could not lift the coffin. Eventually, they called her father’s friend who could speak with the souls of the dead.
He took a stick and started speaking to himself slowly.
After a few minutes, he said, “This girl misses something here.”
Neha’s friends told that person about her intentions to be buried her with her cell phone. He then opened the coffin and placed her phone and sim card inside the casket. After that, they tried to carry the coffin. It could be moved and they carried it into the van easily.
All of us were shocked. Neha's parents did not inform Rajiv that Neha had passed away.
Two weeks later, Rajiv called Neha's mom.
Rajiv said, “Aunty, I'm coming home today. Cook something nice for me. Don't tell Neha that I'm coming home today, I want to surprise her.”

7 Lies That Women Believe About Men

Do you know the 7 deadly lies that women are taught about men? Do you know that these beliefs cause more problems in relationships than most women realize. What are these lies? You are free to add more base on your experiences--:) You're free...




Lie #1 Men are Insensitive to Women


Lie #2 Men are afraid of the Marriage Commitment


Lie #3 All Men Cheat on their Partner


Lie #4 Men only want Sex


Lie #5 Men only want younger Women


Lie #6 Men have to have complete control in a Relationship


Lie #7 Men aren't Romantic (The biggest Lie of All)

A Woman who believes these lies will react to men differently than those who know better. Let's take Lie #7 for example. If a woman really believes that men aren't romantic, then what often happens is that she will try and "help" her husband/boyfriend act romantically toward her. She man hint or even demand that he do such things as bring her flowers or spend more time with her.

The results are predictable. Most men respond poorly to such "hinting." Wouldn't it be better to know the way to inspire him to be romantic more often? And with this, there are lot of ways to help men in a way they can work out your relationship and last long enough.

QUOTE & QUOTE: NO STRINGS ATTACHED

For the majority of you, this isn't going to be a surprise but for the few hold on to your seats: 'friends with benefits' relationships do inded exist and continue to be very prominent in our society, particularly on teens while on college campuses.

This FWB relationships raises many question that have been recently sparked by all teens, friends, and other couple friends out there. A friendship equipped with romance,dating, and handholding seems far fetched, but maybe everyone can decide whether you want it or not, right? But even if it turns into a relationship later, that's acceptable, right? But take caution, whatever the case may be, never settle less for than you deserve. Spoiler alert to those of you who are conservative enough or an old-fashioned type of person. Maybe you may need to watch: No Strings Attached, Love and Other Drugs..:) or Friends With Benefits which in all of the couples not-so-surprisingly end up together and live happily ever after. Shocked, right? Even Dave Matthew says, "A guy and a girl can be just friends, but at one point or aother they will fall for each other. Maybe temporarily, maybe at the wrong time, maybe too late or maybe forever." 

LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

The modern world is an expensive place, where most households require two incomes to purchase even the modest of dwellings. With the progress womens have made in this generation, they tend to move to places that can boost their career, or any senses where they are comfortable of. Between juggling schedules to challenges in communication, anyone who's ever been in a long distance relationship can certainly tell you how hard it can be to make a LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP work. 

I really don't think that anyone - at least not any woman - intends to end up in a long-distance relationship, but sometimes you just cant help it. You fall in love with him/her in town, then suddenly he/she moves out of town. Or you meet him in a cafe had a small conversation and then fall for him until such time one of you gets shipped out.  Or maybe you hooked up with a scrumptious man while having a vacation, then when vacation ends this man just fly to a place where you cant think of?

What Makes Someone Perfect?

I do a lot of writing at coffee shops or anywhere I love to where there's a great chance to people watch. For someone like me, who is fascinated with the interplay between people in various states of relationship, it's a wonderful chance to take note of the way a guy acts when trying to woo a girl, or the shameless flirtation a girl employs to show a guy she's interested.

Yesterday, I had a dinner with my office mates  while watching a young guy who was chatting up a girl next to me. She was trying to inch her way out the door, and he was going on and on about the weather. She was polite but not interested, and he was TOO interested. :) Smiling inside of me, when she finally tumbled out the door, his friend indicated that his level of interest was just a bit too much. "Just a tad," he said, illustrating the degree with his index finger and thumb.