You may be wondering what my blog means when I am supposed to post about being Grateful for Tina’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge .
Well, last weekend, I watched a Filipino film at our local cinema titled Hello, Love, Again. The movie offers a poignant exploration of what it means to come home. At its heart, it reflects on the idea of “tahanan” (home) — not just as a physical place, but as a concept tied to the people and dreams that give our lives meaning.
As I followed the characters’ journeys, I found myself reflecting on my own definition of home — the people, the experiences, and the moments I’m deeply grateful for.
Like the characters in the film, hubby and I too moved to a different country in search of a better life. For years we were just depending on each other while struggling to make a home here in Australia. And now that my kids are both adults, I’m so grateful that my family is still as close as ever—Jack, Pat, Tim, and Leigh. Even though we don’t all live under the same roof, we make the effort to stay connected and support each other as much as we can. Home is where we feel most at ease, grounded, and loved.
I try to visit the Philippines as often as I can, but sometimes life gets in the way. Still, it’s always a joy to reconnect with family I miss dearly.
This is my family here is Australia with grandkids growing up real fast.
I am so grateful for this family I’ve found beyond my biological one—these are the people I love and choose to love, no matter what.
I have a family in my colleagues from the Philippines, whom I also love deeply, despite the years we’ve been apart. We’ve managed to stay in constant touch and remain close, no matter the distance. It is where I find comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Also grateful for my U3A community—the University of the Third Age, an international movement focused on the education and enrichment of individuals in the later stages of life. Grateful to be able to be active by way of my Pyrographics, Zumba, Chinese Cooking and Urban sketching classes.
Joyful photos of your family and friends.
Thanks Denny.
Such a beautiful family you have Techie, both blood relations and friends.🥰
Thanks Arlene…grateful for all the memories.
Great photos, great great family. Wonderful! I love that photo of the sun coming through the trees. Superb.
Thanks so much John.
There’s no place like “tahanan.”
True.
By keeping those connections and that closeness, you’ve enriched your life beyond measure, Teresa. It doesn’t happen automatically. Wishing you much more joy in life!
Thanks so much Jo. It really enriched my life and in fact more grateful for these people. I should’ve placed my Blogging friends too but I didn’t have any photos to go with it. Maybe some other time.
Very nice!
Thanks a lot
What a lovely warm post. You’ve worked hard at staying in touch and reap the benefits.
Yes it has been 30 plus years and friendship and family relations still going strong. Thanks Margaret.
A truly beautiful post both in thought and images. I’d never heard of tahanan, nor of U3A which I intend to look up the minute I’ve finished this comment! Thanks for joining us with your terrific response
Thanks for the interest, Tina. Tahanan is a Filipino word for home. And U3A started back in France in 1973. It is a fun way of spending time with people by using the talents that you have as well
as learning new skills. Have a good day ❤️