Love Around
Love around! — “Phones away,” Mama said as she placed warm soup and rice on the dinner table. “Dinner time is for talking and listening.”
Aaliyah quickly put down her phone and smiled. Dinner was always special in their home. Mama and Papa told funny stories, shared lessons, and laughed together while eating delicious food.
Mama loved cooking crispy lumpia and sweet spaghetti. “Cooking is easier when you do it with love,” she told Aaliyah while teaching her how to stir the sauce carefully. Sometimes, music filled the kitchen because their family loved singing together.
One afternoon, Papa placed a piggy bank on the table. “Saving money is important,” he explained. “Spend wisely and think before buying.”
Aaliyah listened closely because she wanted to become responsible like her parents.
Whenever Aaliyah felt sad or confused, Mama and Papa guided her gently. “Choose what is right,” Mama reminded her. “Be honest, kind, disciplined, and thankful.”
Sometimes, their words were strict, but Aaliyah knew every reminder came from love. Her parents worked hard, made sacrifices, and always supported her dreams.
Before bedtime, Papa opened the Bible and read, “Honor your father and mother.”
Aaliyah hugged them tightly. “Thank you, Mama and Papa,” she whispered happily, feeling God’s love shining brightly through her family every single day.
The author, Nadia Santos, is a Filipino educator and writer who creates meaningful stories, devotionals, and learning materials for students and young readers. She writes literary pieces such as poems and short stories inspired by real-life experiences and reflections of faith. As a teacher and journalism trainer, she uses writing to inspire, guide, and help others grow.