Do you know someone who radiates so much positive vibe that it is always a pleasure to be in her company?  I do.  She is an aunt of my husband and we call her Auntie Mel.

Among the relatives of my husband, she is probably the one I'm closest to.  I have observed the she appears to be the best friend of my mother-in-law.  And because she lived close to where we used to live, my husband was informally designated by my mother-in-law to take charge of visiting Auntie Mel from time to time especially on special occasions wherein she cannot be physically present to be with her friend/cousin.  In the process, I and my children became close to her in addition to my husband  who unabashedly admits his long-standing love and respect for Auntie Mel since a young boy.

It was easy to understand why she is loved by so many.  She epitomizes giving until it hurts and receiving with endless gratitude.  For her, it is not what she gets that is important, it is about the fact that you remembered.  In our surprise visits, she will literally ransack her personal belongings to find anything that she could give to my children, always...

My children began to look forward to occasions at her house because of the expected throwing of coins which they enjoyed so much.  When she runs out of coins, she brings out the candies from her small home sari-sari store and throws them as well to the delight of the children.  She is most happy when others are happy, especially the children.

Our visits became few and far between when we transferred to another place and when she as well transferred to another.  We remained in contact because she will pass by our house in Manila whenever she had to go to the area to serve in church.  But these visits also became few because she got sick.  Still, she will not fail to initiate contact with us whenever her conditions permit.





Yesterday, we finally had the chance to visit her again.  Like always, she was almost in tears upon seeing us , especially since my husband's family was complete including his sister and brother who also came with their respective families.  There was also Mama Ising (sister of my mother-in-law) who came with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Of course, there was again coin throwing.  She also gave every child a crisp twenty peso bill which the children used right away to buy candies from her sari-sari store which only further amused her.  We exchanged stories about each other, about the other relatives she has not seen for quite some time, and about our lives in general.

After we sang a Happy Birthday song for her, she announced that it was the happiest birthday yet of her life.  As always, she was very easy to please.  Her gratitude makes you feel that you have done something so enormous for her that you will go home feeling good about yourself.  Auntie Mel is a cheerful giver and a grateful receiver.  She will always occupy a special place in our hearts.