As the calendar turned to 2025, my wife and I honored our tradition of visiting Thrangu Monastery in Richmond. Every year, we prioritize this plan to offer prayers for good fortune and to ward off any potential obstacles that may lie ahead in the unfolding months. On the first day of January, we followed our usual routine, boarding the bus with excitement and anticipation. We arrived at the temple at precisely 12:30 pm, and as luck would have it, the caretaker had just locked the door for her lunch break. However, upon seeing us, she kindly reopened it, granting us entry.
We spent a few peaceful moments inside, prostrating ourselves and offering heartfelt prayers for the well-being of our family. In my hands, I held a bouquet of flowers, which I handed to the caretaker, who then placed them on the altar with reverence. Time was tight, though, as the bus back was soon due, so we made a quiet circuit of the monastery before heading back home.
It was already later than usual for lunch by the time we arrived, but we quickly prepared a meal and ate before diving into the next plan of our day. In the evening, we paid a visit to Joemar, eager to share the gifts we had not been able to exchange over Christmas. After a lunch, we notified Joe of us being ready to come over, and he graciously picked us up. It felt wonderful to reconnect after months of being apart, exchanging greetings and gifts in a joyful reunion.
By evening, we returned home, settling into the familiar rhythm of preparing for the busy days ahead. As the days of 2025 unfold, we hold on to the hope that each moment brings peace, strength, and happiness to all. May fortune smile upon us all, as we continue to embrace the journey ahead.
