May
each member of our family ever cherish this occasion being our first exclusive
gathering. Indeed we surely miss the presence of a few who are in the foreign
countries although I am sure that all of them wished very much to savor the joy of
being together.It is unfortunate that this reunion and the first ever gathering being conducted only at the time when the surviving members of the first generation are in their ripe ages. If early death would intervene, this maybe the first and the last that we might be participating. We are almost near the point of destination in our earthly sojourn. Allegorically speaking, the sun is setting in the west.
I invite everyone to enjoy this affair and make it as meaningful and memorable as it could be. This will be the moment for deeper feeling of affinity with one another. It is expected that healthy relationship should deepen most especially with those who just came into the family by affinity. Certainly, meeting with new faces, hearing peculiar names would all the more add significance to this occasion which will hopefully linger in your thoughts and memories for long.
It is most heartening and I would say it with pride and gratefulness that the Lord has loved us and blessed us abundantly for which we should thank Him profusely. At least we can pride ourselves that purely females of the second generation have in good measure distinguished themselves in their chosen endeavor. A few as well of the third generation similarly are keeping abreast. And many more others following are proving their worth. Indeed, the development in our family appears promising and therefore we feel so proud of you. Several of you are contributing luster to our family name. Keep up and be challenged to do more for the benefits of others, the community and the country in general. To God be the glory!
As parents of the first generation, we can honestly say that we did our best to show you the way of life most particularly on the aspect of education. There may have been failures along the way mainly for the fact that many did not listen to the voice of wisdom and counsel but of their own parochial mind set. Most particularly among your male cousins who virtually ignored idealism and went on to their merry ways. There is a tragedy of epic proportion that invites offensive retort. So miserable focus in life about which we may call an ironical twist of fate and horrific magnitude of defeat and condemnation.
Amidst the failures in our family, we can still proudly count the blessings showered upon us by the Almighty and more are expected as time goes by especially if we maintain our faith in Him realizing that it is Him alone is the author of prosperity and no one else. May He bind us together always as we move onward in quest for a better life. Let us bear in mind what Jesus said: "I am the Door, the Way, the Life, the Truth, the Bread and the Living Water".
It is admitted that every bitter experiences anyone of us had gone through must be set aside and be forgotten in oblivion. One is cleansed of sins only through love and forgiveness to others. Fuel your dream to fruition with complete reliance to God.
Allow no room for enmity, long live BANAKEN family!
Adapted from the 1st Family Reunion
Edited by: MBP
