I mentioned in my Bonus Life blog that my sister and three (3) brothers are the best natural agents of my strength and that they are also the greatest gifts of my life from God besides my wife, my mom, our children and grandchildren.

A million times, and I can’t deny “their hugs, touch, constant communications, presence and availability kept my life moving brilliantly forward” – since day one!

I can feel that I’m blessed since God gave me the privilege to have time to reminisce the past with my loved ones.  I guess, this bonus life, or as you like, stepping on the ladder of senior citizenship towards God’s eternal life, one has to think of spending his/her time significantly.

Our beloved parents Tatay Celestino C. Rodriguez, Sr. (deceased) and Nanay Carolina Villa Rodriguez (in her 93^rd years of diligent guiding us on 12 May 2015) have six (6) children.

Kuya Celest is the eldest and guru of our family.  He is gentle, genuine and responsible. Although he and his family live in Australia, I cannot feel the distant of his location since he always find ways to communicate with us.  Through the initiative of Kuya Celest and her cheery wife Ate Ruby, the 90^th birthday party for our mother last May 2012 was meaningfully accomplished.

Second is me – born on 22 April 1950; a steady dreamer.

Margie is third – friendly, witty and competent college mentor with doctorate degree.  She takes care of our mother diligently together with her flourishing family.

The fourth is Edna (deceased) – sweet, intelligent and affectionate.

Hernan is fifth – gentle, conscientious, athletic.  He constantly assists our mother, our family.

The youngest is Rene – sociable, business minded and brilliant organizer. 

Kuya Celest, Margie, Edna and I spent our childhood more closely, while Hernan and Rene spent their childhood together.

During our childhood, our dad and mom never get tired of reminding us to keep on learning and to educate ourselves about basic ways to improve our life and health; to avoid endangering it; to keep an open mind and be willing to make simple adjustments.

Our parents said that the good habits we learned and put into practice will also benefit our children and their children after them.  I believe that the good examples set by our parents truly benefited us; as their children we owe to them our solidarity.   

Proverbs 22.6 Train up a child to the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.