The Life after Silicon Valley (“working years”)

 

Emerald Cove. Click on YouTube icon on lower right for full screen view. 
Point to Ponder: Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

Story Line:  

Lasting friendships developed during school and business years. 

Fifteen years ago, I was looking for a good shop to service our car, a trusty and reliable Toyota RAV4. I was recommended to a place where I met Kevin, a service advisor with a very soft demeanor, who was quiet and yet, explained things with much detail and clarity. Kevin took the time with each customer, and one could say he was overly generous with his time. It ran counter to the intense pace of the Silicon Valley. We liked the service, and more than that, we liked Kevin. That seemingly incidental business relationship turned into a friendship over the years. 

 

During routine maintenance service appointments we learned that Kevin had lived in Philippines, that he had a Filipino wife and owned a home in the Philippines. 

 

Kevin retired in 2020 and moved to Philippines to join his family. Over the years, we kept in touch. 

 

After I retired, I would spend my time traveling with my wife. During our current visit to Philippines, Kevin learned that we were in northern Philippines and would pass by his town. He and his wife invited us to stay with them. 

 

We knew Kevin mainly through a casual business relationship and as we were also traveling with other friends, we politely declined. However, as the trip progressed, I had to consult Kevin for guidance navigating some of the terrain. He offered the option for us to stay with he and his wife instead of driving the long distance to Manila on that last day. Night was fast approaching and we were tired.

We finally accepted his invitation. 

 

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

We discovered the property was their own slice of heaven consisting of a huge bougainvillea garden, well designed eco house (with every detail worked out), thirteen dogs and cats, and nice private beach in a cove with shades of emerald. It was no surprise when they revealed that they like to call their residence “Emerald Cove.” 

 

We talked a lot about part of our lives that were unknown to each other. 

 

Kevin’s father was a missionary in Philippines and Kevin had spent his younger years up to high school graduation there. They had Filipino friends who were also involved in the same church; the parents of the lady being missionaries in Hawaii, sent from Philippines in 1920. This Filipino couple had a daughter named Noemi who stayed in a house next door to Kevin’s parents home.

 

Noemi and Kevin met in the first year of high-school and developed liking for each other. By the third year things got intense and one day Kevin told her “ I have a problem.” When she asked what was the problem- Kevin replied “ I am in love with you.” They enjoyed going to school together, being on the beach outside their homes talking about life. 

 

After graduating from high school Kevin went to Missouri for college and Noemi went to California. The relationship cooled for a while. During that time, Noemi met another fine man in California and got married. 

 

Life has its ways. For people who are meant to be together in life, the universe conspires to make it happen. After 7 years,  Noemi got divorced. Around the  same time Kevin was stationed in Alameda, US Navy base nearby.  Kevin ran into her at a party and …. She was waiting for this moment since thier younger years in Philippines.

 

“ Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage” Anis Nin. Making the most/best of you have. 

A few years after marriage, Noemi developed a health issue that required two major surgeries on back and one on neck. 

Even though she had limitations in her body, she didn’t let that constrain her imagination. She created a plan for the beautiful home on the west Philippines sea, the place they had grown up and dreamed to retire. Her love for Bougainvillea is visible in her garden with 1000s of plants with over 100 varieties, many cross breeds of her creations. A nice secluded beach in a cove with emerald colors in front of the home inspired her to name their residence Emerald Cove. ( see the video). 

 

Despite some major physical limitations, she and Kevin go swimming and snorkeling far into ocean almost every morning. She told us that she forgets all her pain while floating in the water, watching corals and colorful fish, and collecting seaweed for their salads.

Reflection: We met Noemi for the first time but instantly connected with so many common interests and believes. There are so many stories we shared from our lives and career; their’s more interesting, for future articles. It was a Memorable stay. 

 

I’m grateful that what started as business relationship eighteen years ago has turned into a beautiful friendship.

 

As my father told me in childhood “ Most important business relations are personal ones”

 

 

Comments

[SM]

You are fortunate to have such acquaintances with whom you have developed life long relationships. Enjoy your travels and your stay in Philippines.

[MC-Singapore]

Beautiful story and beautiful video! Thanks Anand!

[Raymond C Pineda]

Kevin!!! @Anand - Thanks for creating/sharing the video of Kevin, Noemi, and their wonderful home in the Philippines. And what a wonderful backstory that explains, among other things, why Kevin is much more fluent with Tagalog than me. I miss seeing/talking to Kevin whenever my Honda vehicles need scheduled/unscheduled maintenance.

[Cebuana]

I like the third story Making best of what you have. Inspiring

[Sam]

No surprises here Anand! You have a God given gift to connecting with people on a very special way

[Vima]

Like the story. Appreciate the way Noemi handles her challenges: with good response to the situation. Beautiful garden.

[Analisa]

Cute reflection. Nice retreat.

[Dan]

Very nice reflection and video.

[FE-Japan]

Beautiful story, Anand! And what a beautiful place they have in the Philippines!

[Carol]

So inspiring, Anand! Good host showing such unbelievably piece of paradise. What a meaningful travel destination. Kevin must have met so many people during his customer based career; he chose you!

[Fr Marcus.]

Such a beautiful story, the property is so beautiful with so many flowers. Most of all the relationship you had with Kevin is priceless. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful video, you’ve captured the best things life has to give.