Finding more "wow" in 2026

I just came from a vacation that I thought I didn't really need.

I found myself in awe and grateful for the things that came my way.

Wow, I didn't think the islands and the sand and the beaches and the sparkling waters of Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo could be so calming.

Wow, I didn't think I would savor seafood the way I did on our trip.

Wow, I didn't think that traveling with my family, including my eight-month-old baby, could be so much fun.

Wow, I didn't think that our family could have a reunion again with all of my brothers and their families present.

Wow, I didn't think that singing karaoke with my brothers and the songs that Dad, who passed away almost eight years ago, loved to sing would be so gratifying.

Wow, I didn't think that visiting Dad at the cemetery with Mom, my brothers, and my family, saying our prayers for him and our departed lolas, too, would somehow connect us despite the years apart.

Wow, I didn't think that seeing my high school classmates, friends, and new friends would be a blessing, especially now that I'm in my 50s.

I had an idea of how it would feel, or hoped it would feel, but I didn't realize it could be this delightful to be in these moments of grace, when I'm away from work and the frenzy of city life.

Here's to more "wow" experiences in 2026. Hope you have more of them, too.