My wife never expected we were planning a birthday party for her. My family lived for some seven years in Pampanga but after my daughter graduated in college, we moved back to Laguna some 2 years ago so that my wife could take care of her ailing elderly mother.

Move to Laguna

She never expected we had a surprise birthday party for her. For some two years, my wife Jojie took care of her 88-year old mother who was diagnosed to be sick with stage 4 chronic renal disease. She was already on wheelchair when we moved to Laguna but as time passed her health deteriorated until she could no longer rise up out of bed. She was bedridden for the last remaining months until she died this last November 18. It was tough for my wife especially during the last few months. She had no assistant to help take care of her mom everyday. It was a real sacrifice and hard work to be a caregiver for her mom each and everyday.

Caregiving – A Tough Job

I was witness to how tough it can be to take care of a bedridden sick mother. I really appreciate my wife’s love and care for her mother. She took care of her even though she was very tired. She was always on call 24/7.

My very own 85-year old mother worked for many decades as a caregiver in the US. I only had a vague idea what that job really was but now I think I understand it much better. I am glad she has now retired from such kind of work for a good number years now. She has decided to come back home for good in the Philippines. I also appreciate my mom for such love and sacrifice for all of us her kids.

Surprise 61st Birthday

As a token of our love and appreciation for all my wife’s sacrifices, we planned a surprise party for her on her 61st birthday. We meant this to be a special day for her because we love her. I was also glad because my sister and my own mother was present during this very occasion along with my 2 sisters-in-law and 3 brothers-in-law with their wives.

It was a great celebration! Thanks be to the Lord for his gifts: my wife, my family and friends. Truly, the Lord knows how to give good gifts to his children!

I’ve heard the term “In the Sweet By and By” since I was a young boy but I have never really taken the time to find out what this was all about. I knew it was an old hymn but I really didn’t know much about it until now.

Last night, as I attended the wake of my aunt who died a few days ago, this hymn was sung by the sisters and cousin of the deceased. No doubt they knew the hymn very well because all of them are choir members in their Christian church. They sang the song in acapella and I was touched by how they sang it and the lyrics of the hymn really inspired me. It was a fitting song for the occasion.

I found out later on the internet that this song is entitled “In the Sweet By and By” and it was written by Sanford F. Bennett in 1868! That’s one and a half centuries ago! The lyrics are quite simple but it’s really inspiring for those who hope, wait and trust in the Lord for their salvation. It gives hope and encouragement for people to carry on, despite life’s challenges, difficulties and even in the face of death.

May I share it here:

In the sweet by and by  (Sanford F. Bennett, 1868)

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

Here’s a short video during that evening:

Songs do touch the heart. And old hymns from centuries ago make it even more meaningful. Wouldn’t you agree?