41

We are going into the middle of summer here in Doha. Temperature is rising everyday and 8:30 in the morning is like 10:30 in the Philippines. The sun is already up high and the heat is almost unbearable. It is 41 today not only due to the temperature but also for me personally.
Yes, today is my birthday and I’m 41. It’s the second time that I’m celebrating alone. Last year, I just arrived here in Doha and the only person I know was on vacation. This year, he is out of the country on training. I have new found friends here but they have their activity today – a sports activity and I don’t want to spoil their preparations for it. I begged off from the activity but I did not tell them it’s my birthday.
Anyway, I get to spend again this time to be with myself and reflect on the past 41 years of my life. Last year was the start of ‘new life’ – of living the adage: “Life begins at 40”.
A lot has happened in one year and even more so in 41 years. How time flies. I can recall so many happy moments and a few challenging ones. Remembering those challenges now made me realize that instead of letting those moments break me they have actually made me stronger and wiser even.
Of all the things that have happened in my life, two things that I think has greatly changed everything for me. First was when I got married and second, when I became a Daddy. They were indeed life changing events.
The first, I pledged to love my wife and be with for the rest of my life. I dedicated my life to her on the day we were married. And each day since has been a constant effort to be a testament to that pledge. Everyday I endeavour to be faithful to that promise to love her and to keep her till the day I die. I hope that I have lived up to that pledge to this day.
The second was as challenging as the first. From the first moment I held my son on my arms I realized that this is a human being whose life is now totally dependent on me. He was so helpless and needed my total attention and dedication to guide him through the trials of daily life. I brought him into this world and I am now responsible to help him live in this world. Whatever he becomes later in life will be because of how I have nurtured him now and in the days to come.
So here I am on my 41st birthday hoping and praying that the days and years ahead be a faithful confirmation of the vows I made and a fulfillment of the oath we took to mold our son into the child of God.