From that precise moment when the idea began, to the few minutes before Ate's arrival, everyone put their heart - and a lot of love - to make sure that there will be a lot more "happy" in her "happy birthday." From Mom calling us and checking if everything is on-schedule, if the flowers were given, and if we've invited Kitty, to Ate Bullet who liaised with the caterer and called up our family and friends to make sure they'll attend. From Biboy who scheduled their trip so that they can be in Manila before the 21st, to Raymond who worked hard on the cake and slideshow at the same time.
Ate Lissa's arrival reminded me of the opening and closing scenes of "Love Actually." There was a lot of hugging and kissing going around the room and - as Hugh Grant so accurately said in the film - love was definitely all around. The positive energy was simply contagious, and everyone had a big smile on his or her face. And it was easy to pinpoint the reason why everyone was happy and giddy. Love, in all its forms and incarnations, freely circulated that night.
There was love that knew no boundaries or distance. Even if they were in Atlanta (and later on in California), our parents made sure that this party would be a successful one. Even if we were apart physically, they made sure that Ate Lissa, and everyone in the family, felt their love. One of the things that Biboy hand carried from the US was our parents' birthday message to her, proving that true love really defies time and space.
There was love that never changes. Among the people we invited was Kitty, Ate's best friend since college. Their friendship has spanned more than 20 years, and they've seen each other in both good and bad times. Seeing them together that night, it's hard to believe that they haven't seen each other in a year. Seeing them all giggly and gregarious, it's easy to imagine that they were like this since college. Proving that some of the most important things in life don't change.
There was love that's strengthened by time. One of the night's bigger surprises was when Tomas shed tears after the slideshow. It was probably triggered by an old photo where he was with the 5 of us when we were kids. Tomas is, and has always been like our uncle, sibling and friend. And while some relationships with relatives tend to drift away as time goes by, it's comforting to know that some relationships are further strengthened.
There was love in and of the family. If there's one thing I'm truly thankful for, it's the family that I have. Whenever we get together - be it a special occasion or a random Saturday afternoon - we share love and strengthen our love in different ways. It can come in the form of a box of pastries, a favor, or something as simple as catching up on each other's life. Love for the family and the love in the family is something we grew up with. And seeing how our second generation are naturally close and loving, it's also something we're passing on to the next generation.
A few days after the celebration, I had dinner at Italianni's again with John. One of the managers recognized me, went up to our table and told me a very nice story. She said that after the surprise party, the staff were talking about how wonderful it was seeing how close our family was and "feel na feel namin na mahal na mahal niyo talaga ang isa't-isa. Nakakatuwa nga kayong panoorin."
I guess that's what happens when love is freely shared by people in the room. Love from family and friends. Love from people near and far. Love that's both new and old. Love that constantly develops yet remains unchanged.
At the end of the day, we were celebrating more than just a birthday.
We were celebrating love.
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