Dragon’s Spitfire of Red in a Roomful of Love
By: Veronica Leighton
I know that people age and am no exception to this fact, Do I look it? I say NO. Do I feel it? I say NO. Do I fear it? I say NO. Do I deny it? I say NO. Am I ashamed of it? I say NO.
Yes, aging is upon me and is capturing my body, soul, and mind, to tell the truth. Yes, telling myself that there’s really such a thing as aging which I could not believe when I was a carefree and young girl growing up, I am very thankful to God for giving me this kind and length of life that’s filled with love, happiness, friendship, and success. What else can I ask for?
Now reaching almost my mid-octogenarian age, I cannot complain about what life has given me through my long living years since birth. For this year’s simple celebration of my birthday held last June 2nd at MingHin Cuisine Rolling Meadows for a sumptuous luncheon of Chinese lauriat of ten delicious dishes, my invited loving friends and family filled the room with so much laughter and love, and lots and lots more pictures to take for the memories. This happened amidst the floating color of red (a required color to wear to complement the dragon’s spitfire in the background.
2024 is the year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar and it was my sign when I was born, and every twelve years thereof. Dragon foretells a year of prosperity, symbolizing authority, abundance, and good fortune. Its influence in 2024 promises evolution, improvement, and abundance. Thank you to all my friends and family who came and shared to spread my love and happiness to everyone.
In this auspicious issue, GMail columnist Maria Girlie Pascual (GMail, pages 16-17) and James DC (Let’s LOL, page 28) wrote a nice article about me, together with beautiful pictures and video clips taken by James DC. On his Facebook account, he posted, “She’s the doyenne of Filipino American publishing with her Via Times Newsmagazine, a respected journalist and community leader, who just celebrated a Chinese-themed 84th birthday with family & friends. “Shengri Kualie” Tita Vero Leighton! May the blessings of love and support of those near and dear to you continue to give you happiness and strength on your much-fulfilled life’s journey! We love you!”
I also would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Via Times staff who came for this occasion and partied until the end. Special thanks to Robert Chavez for the grooming and transforming me into a Chinese girl in cheongsam costume that I wore with the Chinese hairpiece that he made also; to Pastor Nancy Abiera, for the chauffeuring and cake pick-up. The beautiful red cake artfully made by Grace Rimando of Raining Grace Bakeshop was breathtaking in its red color and delicious tastes of combo mango and ube. I told Grace that her cake was such a big hit and it’s highly recommended.
To our wonderful readers and followers, may you enjoy our beautiful summer months and vacation times that you may have and find. And, to those who are celebrating or have celebrated their birthdays joyfully, I do feel for you. Have fun and happy birthday to you! Cheers to the hilt!
Enjoy your favorite columnists’ articles in this beautiful summer issue! ###
She’s the doyenne of Filipino American publishing with her Viatimes Newsmagazine, a respected journalist and community leader who just celebrated a Chinese themed 84th birthday with family & friends. “Shengri Kualie” tita Vero Leighton! May the blessings of love & support of those near and dear to you continue to give you happiness & strength on your much fulfilled life’s journey! We love you !
