#80 | ASEAN Hive Community Photography Challenge | Smiles | Familia

Have you ever wondered why people smile? There are many reasons, actually, and it depends on the person giving that smile. This is because smiles can have different meanings. In my younger years, I thought that smiles only occurred during happy moments. I thought a smile could only be the result of something positive.

As I graduated from high school and went to college, my family deteriorated. I found out that my father had gotten involved with a third party. He was our only financial source. Even though I was lucky enough to be a scholar in our province, it was not enough for a college student, including the allowance, boarding, and all. I did manage to learn to hide those salty feelings and mask them with a smile.

Okay, enough of this gloomy past. Let's fast-forward. I would like to introduce my familia to the #Hive community.

Since Christmas is coming, I selected this photo that was taken last year. With my lovely wife, we have been blessed with two wonderful children. We love to take photos of ourselves, especially when we all wear something similar, like these Santa hats.

I really love her cute smile. She is very jolly and optimistic. I sometimes wonder what I did to be blessed by this wonderful person. She is my best friend, my buddy, my soulmate, and my partner. Our marriage may not be as good as a fairytale, but we are doing our best together. To my wife, if you are reading this, I love you very much!

My little princess is my forever baby girl. As a father, I always do my very best while she is still this little. You may have noticed this sweet little angel from my previous blog, as I always featured her. I could consider her my partner in crime during our mischievous moments. I spend a lot of time with her since the moment this little girl grows up, there will be fewer daddy-daughter moments. I really do not want to miss those opportunities. A little secret I want to share: She is my little version of myself when it comes to attitude. Hahaha!

This guy is, of course, my little dude. At 2 years old, he was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). We had him checked up with a specialist doctor since, compared to his sister, he could not speak even though he was already 2 years old. Now, with all the therapy, he is doing fine and is now studying at a normal school as a nursery student. He is very charming and sweet. Despite having this condition, he can do amazing things. He even excels academically compared to normal children his age. He is our gem, and the three of us really take good care of him and watch out for him.

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” –Michael J. Fox

Even if the whole world turns against you, remember that your family will always protect you and be there for you through the ups and downs. Their smiles are very precious to me, and I will do my best to protect them.

But wait!!

Before I end this article, I would like to highlight a very special person in my life. This person is the one who, I think, made me who I am today. He is very supportive of everything that I do. I really owe him a lot. And now, friends, hivers, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my super lolo, my grandfather, my hero, and the man I really look up to...

To my lolo, stay healthy and stay cool. We love you always!