"Strengthening Connections Over Tapas: A Family Bonding Lunch at a Spanish Restaurant"

Hello again. Today, I would like to share another story from our happy memories. This story is special to me, this was two years ago. I remember everything very clear. It was a perfect day for us. And my dear mother was with us, and we are so happy together. I have no idea if that would be one of the last times we were all together. My mom just passed away last month, and sometimes, I still can’t believe she is gone. Life can change so fast. One moment, everything feels normal. Then, now I realize that in the blink of an eye, someone you love is no longer there. It hurts a lot. I still feel the pain in my heart. I miss her every day. I often look at the photos from that day. We look like a perfect family. Everyone is smiling. My mother looked so happy. and we made sure she would enjoy this moment with us. Even though she was with us for about 2 years plus.

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We made sure to have many good memories. We lived each day with love and joy. We didn’t waste time. We spent time like we were celebrating life. This time, we're going out for lunch. We went to a Spanish restaurant to have tapas, my husband had graving. It was my mother’s second time trying Spanish food. The first time, she didn’t enjoy it much. But this time, she smiled while eating. She said the food was nice. I felt so happy watching her enjoy her meal. And I can see that her face was so happy and contented, which means a lot to me. After we took our orders, while we waited for the food, we went outside the restaurant with our drinks. There was a big fountain near the entrance. It wasn’t working yet, but the kids still wanted to play. My husband and the children sat near the water.





They put their feet in and laughed. My husband is always playful. He loves to make the kids laugh. He spoiled them, like always. I sat and watched them. I smiled to myself. I felt so lucky and thankful to have them. Soon, the waiter called us back. Our food was ready. We went to our table and started eating. The tapas were very tasty. My husband really loves Spanish food. It’s his favorite. But we don’t eat it often. Spanish food in Malaysia is expensive. So, we only go once in a while. That day, we felt it was a perfect day, just a simple way of happiness with our family, plus my mom was there. It's amazing to look forward now. After lunch, the kids requested pizza for dinner. I didn’t say no.









We ordered pizza to take home. It’s easier for me, too. I don't have to cook dinner that night. Everyone was happy. We had a full tummy and full hearts during that day. Now, when I thinking back on that day, I feel two things: happy and sad. I am happy that we had a good bonding time together. I am sad because my mother is not here anymore. I wish we had more time. But I am also thankful. We made a beautiful memory. We didn’t know it was going to be one of our last days with her. But we spent it with love. Life is short. Things can change so quickly. That day taught me to enjoy every little thing. A lunch, a laugh, a hug, a smile, these things are so important. We don’t need big moments to feel love. The small ones are enough. I will remember that day forever. I will keep it in my heart. And every time I miss my mother, I will look at the photos and remember how happy we were that day.