Earlier today, my family and I started celebrating my birthday. With my silent excitement to see and be with my cute pamangkins, I made an effort to buy them cute little things that they might appreciate. 

When I gave them their presents, my nephew said, "I hate this!" Then his little sister who received a really cute bracelet with her name on it, imitated her Kuya and also said, "I hate this!" 

My heart shattered when I heard them say that. But I comforted myself, whispering to my sensitive and really sensitive self, "It's okay. They're just kids. They're just 5 and 3 years old." My sister-in-law's face looked uncomfortable. She probably didn't know how to address that situation. 

I could have chosen to sulk in my disappointment that could eventually turn to anger. But again, a voice inside me told me to choose to understand and still reach out even if you have been caused pain. 

So, I still played with my pamangkins. 

Later on, after the dinner, my nephew held my boyfriend's hand and then, he reached for my hand as well that leaves him on our middle. Then, he started kissing my hand as well as my boyfriend's hand. He would do that continuously until we reached the coffee shop.

Some divine intervention probably made him do that but surely, it did help me quickly forget my disappointment. 

That ouchy reaction after I gave them their little presents could have hardened my heart. But with some push on my part to reach out, that "I hate this!" moment turned to him saying, "Hey everybody, let's sing Happy Birthday for Tita!" followed with what he calls a family hug... then we hugged, just the way he wanted it.