What’s inside my vault Part II

Family Values

In my family, there is another tradition that I miss - the mano-before-bedtime tradition. When we were young, we’ve been taught by mommy and daddy, that we should pray before we sleep and then make mano to them after praying, the off to bed. I really think it’s a beautiful tradition. However, its strength and weakness lie on the same precept – the family must be at peace before bedtime for this system to work. Let me illustrate.

There was one particular night when I had sama ng loob towards my parents because they scolded for something that I am not convinced is my fault. I felt bad about going over to them to mano while harboring this sama ng loob. So I had to reconcile within me, expand my understanding (I was in elementary then, still immature) of the situation so I could forgive them. Praying really makes one feel ok, that I learned for sure because after praying, I had the courage to go them and mano. I think my parents knew how bad I felt before that because their smiles were somehow brighter that evening and we all went to sleep with light and cheerful hearts.