Happy Birthday, Maria!

Happy Birthday, Maria!

You were never just a neighbor. Not just a classmate, a distant cousin, or part of the barkada. What we share, this connection that slips through words, is something rare. It's tucked into our shared silence, our old laughs, and the easy way we just get each other. And now, look at you—--Sed’s official guardian. Ikaw ang PINILI, gurl.

How are you, really? I keep wondering what your days look like over there in Aus. It must be a beautiful kind of difficult. I know how it feels to be away. I can barely make it through a week without Sed, so I can only imagine how it is for you to be that far for this long. But hey, you’re doing it. You’re in it. That alone deserves so much love and recognition.

Your leaving left more than just an empty seat or a gap in our routine. You took a piece of my normal with you. I never really said much about it, especially knowing you’ve got your own battle with homesickness to wrestle with. But we’ve both had to carry our weight quietly, in different corners of the world. You, adjusting and enduring. Me, holding space here, missing your presence. And honestly? I admire your courage. Deeply.

I just hope that, somewhere in between the quiet days and the new routines, you’ve found moments that feel like home. That you’re choosing the life you dream of, even on days when it doesn’t feel like it’s choosing you back. I know there are things you might not be ready to tell us yet--- and that’s okay. I’ll wait. You’ve always had a quiet strength, and I trust that when you're ready, your words will find their way home.

Always know this: we’re not going anywhere. We’re still here, still cheering, still praying, still waiting. Ready to catch up on all the things left unsaid. Because distance? It can’t undo what’s already rooted.

I just want you to be okay. I hope each day gives you a little more light. And when the world feels too loud or too quiet, remember, you’ve got us. You are part of our family.

XoXo, Team V.