THE GIFT OF ANOTHER YEAR: Enduring with Gratitude and Purpose
A Contemplative Journey Through Motherhood, Daughterhood, Medicine, and Faith
As another birthday goes by, I find myself hitting pause—not just to celebrate, but to really think about the journey so far and all the kind birthday wishes I’ve received. Every message, call, and thoughtful note is a reminder that life isn’t a sprint. It’s more like a marathon, and every step along the way counts.
The more birthdays I have, the more I realize how underrated endurance really is. It’s not about quick wins or flashy moments. The real challenge is just showing up, day after day, with purpose. The long game isn’t always glamorous—it’s about staying consistent, staying humble, and keeping at it, even when no one’s watching.
Gratefulness in the Everyday
Receiving and reading the birthday wishes, I’m struck by how much of this journey isn’t about me at all. I’m just a temporary steward. The gratitude I feel is less about personal achievement and more about the people who have cheered me on, offered a helping hand, or simply shared a kind word along the way. I’m grateful for every person who’s been part of my story, and I try to pay it forward whenever I can.
As I stand at this point in my life, my sense of purpose has deepened and shifted.
As a mom, I honestly see my legacy most in my kids. More than anything, I hope they pick up not just my advice, but the example I try to set—being kind, staying strong when things get tough, keeping the faith, and always looking for what’s good and true. I want them to know that serving others with humility and love is what really matters. Every choice I make now, I hope, plants a seed that will grow in their lives and maybe even in the lives of people they meet along the way.
And as a daughter, especially with my Filipino roots, caring for my parents is something that is just part of our culture. Family is everything, and we take care of each other—no matter what. With my parents getting older, the roles have kind of flipped. I find myself trying to give back the same patience and compassion they gave me growing up. It’s humbling, for sure, and a real reminder that our time here is short. Honoring those who came before us isn’t just tradition—it’s a responsibility, and one that I hold close to my heart.
As a doctor, I’ve noticed my focus has really shifted over the years. These days, it’s less about racking up personal achievements and more about building something that actually lasts. I spend a lot of my time mentoring younger colleagues, trying to make the medical world a little healthier and more supportive, and working on systems that’ll help not just today’s caregivers, but the ones coming after us too. Honestly, a lot of this work is slow and behind the scenes, but I really believe it’s worth it.
And then there’s my faith. Being Catholic isn’t just a label for me—it’s a big part of why I do what I do. I feel both called and commanded to live out that simple but powerful rule: “Love one another as I have loved you.” It’s not just a nice idea; it’s a real mission. For me, that means trying to act with justice, mercy, and humility, and seeing everyone I meet as a child of God who deserves respect and compassion. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that what really matters isn’t the stuff the world celebrates, but how well we love and serve others. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
So, as I look back on another year, I’m really feeling grateful—for the people who’ve helped shape me, for the chance to give back, and for the faith that keeps me grounded. My hope is that in all the different roles I play, I’m leaving things just a little better than when I started. To me, that’s what legacy is all about.
Thanks for being part of my story. Here’s to sticking with it, staying grateful, and making things better than we found them!