The River Rose House...

I took this photo of my parents once we went back to my house after the Closing (they're standing at the head of the hallway that connects the main house to the apartment):


Like most families, ours have had their share of ups and downs and, looking back, I think my younger brother and I had a pretty typical childhood...anything that may have differed from how our peers were raised stemming mainly from the fact that our parents emigrated from the Philippines to the US and, therefore, had the culture they grew up with influencing the decisions they made regarding our upbringing.

But for all the times in the past (and in the present!) that I've disagreed with my parents' opinions and the choices that they've made, I've always known that their intent comes from a place of unconditional love (and unfortunately I've known a lot of 'kids' who can't say the same about their parents).

I've seen the myriad expressions that have crossed their faces during the entire purchase process (excitement, disapproval, approval, worry) but, in the end, there they are in the photo above, smiling happily at me!

So I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to my dad and mom for the lifetime of support, especially most recently with my purchase of the Riverstone House.

I had wanted to do one other thing to thank them, most especially my mom...I had thought to change the name of the house to the River Rose House since my mom's name is Rosario which, when broken down, means Rose (rosa) and River (rio). Unfortunately I don't think that this can easily be done since the home's name is recorded in so many places.

Still, they say that it's the thought that counts and, knowing my mom, I'm sure that that is enough...