Then came Angelo

I

I was so excited coming home this morning. I was eager to see Angelo, my first nephew who just came to this world just a week ago, last Saturday. When I left home for work last Sunday, I was anxious that the weekend will come soon. That was really my feeling. I haven't been to my destination but I wanted to go back already. There were thoughts that I wanted to file for leave of absence just to be with Angelo but that was a stupid idea I thought. I was worried when the doctor said that he will be given a dose of antibiotic because his birth was delayed for several hours. He might get infection according to the doctor. He was crying every now and then last week. It was so depressing. Nevertheless, I just prayed. In this kind of situation, I need to be strong as well as my family. I learned that in time of depression, I need to be brave to survive. When I asked my sister through text, I was relieved knowing that Angelo did well. Seeing him strong and well this morning makes me really smile. He's so cute with his dimple. His skin is fair and hairy. His nose looks like my father which is good because Papang has a high chiseled nose. His eyes look like his Daddy Roger. Mamang said his broad forehead looks like hers.

Angelo's presence gave us feeling of happiness. His cute smile amazes us. The moment he opens his eyes, it makes us wonder what he is seeing. I can always think of how miraculous life is the moment he's in my arms. With his coming, it gives us once again the opportunity to dream big and makes big plans. Giving him a name Ernesto Angelo makes his Lolo feel proud and fulfilled. Indeed, God gave Angelo to spark in us that His promise of hope never ends. Life evolves and will continue from generation to generation.

Bruised

It was a one fine day. I never expected that an accident would happen. It was our LBP 46th anniversary. We had wellness activities held in South Cotabato Gymnasium. I actively participated in “Karakasa” which is a kind of exercise similar to “Taebo”. I was happy seeing my colleagues from different branches. Some of whom I befriended when I was assigned in their branches. It was a lot of fun and energy that my T-shirt was soaked with sweat. After watching the volleyball game I decided to go home to change my shirt. When I reached home I felt a different kind of heat on my face. I drank water to be relieved but the sensation never faded. I washed my face. I felt a little comfort. I drove towards the gym but upon reaching the overpass downtown, there was a Nissan Patrol car in the fast lane signaling to turn right. I was on the slow lane but I was moving fast. I saw the signal quite late that applying break would cause my motorcycle to be skid or tumble. I moved fast not to hit the car but I hit the shoulder of the road. There and then, my motorcycle fell. I hit my eyebrow somewhere. It was lacerated irregularly. My three front teeth were broken. One was severely fractured. A tricycle driver brought me to the nearest hospital. From the mirror of the tricycle, I saw my terrible face, my damaged teeth and blood in my mouth and face flowing.
I should have taken heed of some the signs I have encountered. The different heat I felt when I arrived home should have given a sense to sit or relax for a short while and never be too in a hurry. If not for hurrying, I could have avoided the accident. The helmet that I usually wear should have made me think twice of not going to drive.
In the hospital, I was grateful that I was given immediate attention. My lacerated skin in my eyebrow was stitched. My other bruises were cleansed and treated. A little later, my father and Ate Elsa arrived to attend to my situation. I am grateful to them. Some of my officemates visited to see my condition. I was happy to see them.
I am glad that during those times, I was comforted by the people who knew me. I felt love and the situation became easy to bear. I applied for a 5-day sick leave. I am happy that today I’m on the 6th day of my recovery. I give thanks to God for sparing my life and giving me another chance to continue living. The situation I’ve been through made my faith stronger than before. I know how painful it was for Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. His sacred heart has saved me not only in my accident but my sinful spirit too. I was reminded that life is short indeed. It should be lived well for others. I cannot be proud of anything – good looks can vanish in a split of a second. Health and wealth can be taken by God anytime. It was a humbling experience. My injuries were nothing compared to what Jesus suffered. God was bruised more than I bruised, all to offer His life for us.

Glad I’m Alive!

Life is precious. I cannot put in on or off. It is irreversible!

I was born in 1976, year of the dragon under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. According to astrologers, Sagittarians are fun-loving, philosophical, intellectual, straightforward and expansive. Some of these traits are true because I am very optimistic.

When I was young I was inquisitive. I threw many questions to my mother. She always had answers. When I asked her about events in the past she would tell me, "That happened when you were still water or soup." I always believe my mother because she is a retired elementary teacher. But sometimes she gets tired of answering my questions. There was this incident I will never forget. I am used to see chili pepper as red. When I saw a yellow one during a birthday party preparation of my younger sister, I asked my mom, "What's this color yellow? She answered me, "That's "kutitot", the sweetest pepper on earth. I got a piece of it and bit. Indeed, it was the "sweetest" pepper I've ever tasted that I cried because it was very hot! My mother gave me sugar to defuse the sensation.

It was a bitter experience. I accused my mother of fooling me. But she said, "I told you that it was the sweetest but I never told you to take it." Well, I took it literally. She was rhetoric when she said that. It was a learning experience for me.

I realized there's a lot to learn in life. I can FEEL a lot of emotions-happiness, sorrow, excitement, frustration, joy, disappointment, etc. I can TASTE a lot of flavors-sweet, hot, spicy, bitter, etc. etc. I can SMELL a lot of odors-fragrant, pungent, sweet, fresh, odoriferous, foul etc. I can HEAR a lot of sounds-music, noise, loud, soft, pleasing, cry etc. I can SEE a lot of views-beautiful, ugly, pretty, magnificent, etc. All experiences, whether good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant are part of life. They say that life is full of ups and downs. I will take everything because it will make me a better person.

Having this capability, I take responsibility for my life. I can hear from other people but in the end I will listen to myself. It's my life. I am born to express myself because my life is a gift for others.

I'm glad that a small drop of water before took its form and having space. I'm glad, I'm alive!

 

 

 

everyday is a blessing

Indeed. It is said that life is like a mist. It can disappear at any time. Such thought can make me feel shiver. What if God will take me now? Will I 'live happily ever after' in heaven?

'Todos los santos', 'Araw ng mga patay', Halloween or All saints day is fast approaching. That would be two days from now. Here in my country, it is celebrated with so much thoughtfulness and anticipation. Every November 1, people go to various cemetery to visit their dead loved ones. They bring food and drinks and surely reunite with relatives and long time friends who visit at the same time. It is an occasion that you will see old faces you've missed. Everybody is busy with career, family and business so, it's really a chance to meet them as everybody takes slow and sit for a moment to recall all the family and relatives who have already passed over to the other side.

I recall, when I was young, my friends and I go to the cemetery every Nov. 1. If not together, we would just agree to meet at a certain spot, mostly at the grave of someone we know. We would light a candle and from there we roam to other graves and do the same. Many of our friends, relatives and acquaintances would offer food-"kakanin" as we fondly call it and known to be the kind of food prepared for the occasion. Sometimes, we would also hop houses of our classmates. It was my joyful recollection of All Saints/Souls Day.

As of the latter time, the grave of my lola Meling and my cousin Ate Cat were among the 'must be' graves to visit. My lola nursed me when I was young while my Ate Cat had been with us in most family occasions. I have happy thoughts of them and they will always remain in my memory.

This coming November 1, I want to visit Brod Toto Erle. He died 11 years ago in Iligan. The news came to us in MSU Gen. Santos while we were waiting to march for our graduation. We were shocked about his passing. The brods and sis who knew the incident gathered together at his wake. After that I wasn't able to visit him. We were roommates in the dormitory during our second year college. One time we discussed about death and who will be saved. There were things we didn't agree. He said that we will just know it when we die. Funny how we ended our discussion. In my mind a thought plays perhaps he now know the answer to our questions.

Death is certain. We don't know the time when and where we will meet our Creator. I've shared to Brod Erle this verse in the Bible : For God so love the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 I have memorized this verse by heart. It makes all the difference in my life. Knowing that God is there, I'm sure that Jesus died for me and paid all my sins.

May this Halloween be not only an ordinary passing of event but a reminder that we are all like mist in the air. Anytime we can go to the other side. Be ready!