An Easter renewal and the entrepreneurial spirit

GO NEGOSYO PILIPINAS

- ANGAT LAHAT! JOEY CONCEPCION

Easter resonates deeply this year as I reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of renewal. Having recently celebrated Easter, my thoughts naturally turn to the concept of fresh starts and the vibrant energy of new life. This feeling is amplified by the recent arrival of our third grandchild, Emiliana Consuelo Concepcion Puno, Millie for short. Her arrival is a poignant reminder of the ever-expanding tapestry of family, a continuation of a legacy that stretches back generations. The simple joy of a new life is a powerful anchor in this world.

As of today, my mother presides over a growing clan of 32 grandchildren, 10 grandchildren-in-law and 14 great-grandchildren. By year's end, we'll be welcoming another addition, bringing the in-law count to 11 and the great-grandchildren to 15.

My wife Marissa meticulously updates this list with each marriage and birth, marveling at the family's continuous growth. This constant expansion is not just a matter of numbers; it represents the ongoing story of our family's love, laughter and shared experiences.

Yet, life is not solely about beginnings; it's also about endings. Millie's arrival comes more than a year since my father's passing. Growing up, my youngest sister, Michelle, was always his "baby;" my daughter, Catherine, inherited that role, often sleeping alongside my parents when she was young. The void left by my father is deeply felt by both of them. And now with the elections looming in less than a month's time, I am again reminded of this void.