Marriage Wisdom

Image from Facebook

I so enjoyed reading this and it is never easy to practise all of it, all of the time. However, it is a good one especially when you can nod your head to some of the things listed there.

In my marriage, Stephen is the easy-going one and I am usually the not so easy-going person although if you asked him, he would never tell you.

But we've made a good life so far and everyday is interesting because we are different.  It's what makes life a little exciting even.  

We feed off each other's strengths and overlook the weaknesses.  I believe that one of the main things to remember in a marriage is to be able to laugh at each other. Stephen says I am funny.  Well, I think that my talent at being funny is mostly hidden while his is overflowing.  

The next point is commitment.  We are committed to the same things and, more importantly, to each other.

Often we hold hands when we walk around.  I imagine the folks around here referring to us as "that couple that always holds hands". Once or twice when we didn't, we had a neighbour telling us to hold hands.  It was so funny when she did.  We felt like teenagers.

Stuck at home, on this rainy morning, I'm just thinking out loud.

An unexpected delight!!!

So they spelt my name wrongly!  Instead of Soliano, it became Solidano.  It annoyed the teacher in me but the niece in me got over it quickly.

In any case, it is not about me but about Rufino Soliano.  What an extraordinary life he has led throughout his musical career.  The music he has shared touched every level of society here in Singapore.

Maybe the young may have forgotten him and maybe only the people of the older generation remember his name when he was at the helm of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation.  It really doesn't matter because his music will live on forever.

There is a saying that (Every man should) plant a tree, have a child, and write a book. These all live on after us, insuring a measure of immortality. – attributed to the Talmud and Jose Martí, Cuban revolutionary and poet.

I think Rufino Soliano accomplished all these in his own way.  

~~~

While I have had letters to Editors of Newspapers published in Malaysia, this is my first print in Singapore.  I am certainly proud of myself.

Likewise, I am so pleased that the National Library Board saw fit to share this poem I wrote.  Thank you NLB for this kindness.  The gesture is very much appreciated.  

Hands!

This exhibition touched me in a personal way for two reasons.  The main being that my uncle Rufino Soliano was featured as one of the Singaporeans who made a contribution to his country.  On another note would be that many of us still practise the Filipino culture of the young taking hold of the elder person's hand to kiss, upon meeting and greeting, as a form of deep respect.  Hence, this showcase of Hands is very meaningful.  From looking at the people who were there, it was plain to see that many were surprised to have been remembered.  For this reason alone, it is worth it.

Rufino Soliano is the patriach of the family and this word is used because he is the oldest of five brothers (Rufino, Antonio, Francisco, Mauricio and Maximo).

Last night as I went to bed, some words were twirling around and this morning I sat at my computer to write this before I forget any of it.

One of the notes from the
Memo Pool at the National Library

His Hands!

These are the hands

that conducted bands

in many foreign lands

These are the hands

that make amends

when no one understands

These are the hands

that have the strands

of love for all his friends

These are the hands

whose love withstands

in all of God's real plans

These are Rufino's hands!

Rufino in his Godfather's role!