Christmas Day

What a Christmas. I told you it should have passed my by. My Dad's back in the Intensive Care Unit after suffering what the ER doctor's told us was a near heart attack of his newly bypassed heart due to complications from pneumonia. It was a bit fortuitous that we got to go the house earlier than usual since we had a chance to say our hellos and Christmas greetings before he fell ill.

Noche Buena, for the first time in the Isidro household was totally incomplete. My Dad and 3 of my siblings were at the hospital. We, the ones that stayed behind, trying to be all Christmas cheery. I was totally exhausted by the time my kids opened their Christmas gifts.

What a Christmas. Saw a friend at the hospital and found out from him that Sen. Bobby Barbers had just passed away that minute. Cong. Ace Barbers is the ninong of my youngest son Marco and a very good friend from way back. My condolences to the family. I never got to meet Popsie but from all the stories I got from Ace and his brothers Dean and Gov. Lyndon, I sure got to know him.

What a Christmas indeed.

In no Christmas mood

Christmas is fast approaching and I just wish it would pass me by a bit quickly this year. This has not been a good year for me, financially, and emotionally.

I don't think anybody's been spared financially this year, so no use in complaining about that. My emotional strain has come from my Dad's physical condition. After having his triple bypass operation last August, or was it September, he's now back in the hospital suffering from a bacterial infection in his lungs. Things are hopefully going to get a lot better but the damage has been done, I am drained, with a few days before Christmas, I have lost the spirit. I am now officially going through the motions just for the sake of my family, my wonderful wife Des and my two kids who deserve something better from me.

Hay naku, for whatever it's worth, Merry Christmas to you all.