This time last year, I shared an iota of the
remarkable events that I experienced in 2014. Today, billions of people are
actively engage in various social networks like Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram to personal stuff and be updated with the hottest news in town. I’m no exception. But this crib is not dead. After a lengthy hiatus, I’m going to speak
once again with words supplemented with mixed emotions converted into a blog entry.
Dissecting 2015
I splashed out money on major health issues. It was a lot and
mostly severe cases. Normally, we look at the mirror to inspect our look and fix what needs to be fixed. Many times during my virus-infected days, I
would look at the mirror to view the nasty transformation of my appearance. Sadly, there was no quick fix. Here are my top three worst health cases last year:
Stye. I had the most
awful and excruciating stye that lasted for many weeks. My brother’s shades
became my best buddy. Mind you, when the pain has started to spread almost all over my face, I consulted two different ophthalmologists from
two different hospitals to be certain I got the right medication.
Infection. My middle
finger underwent a minor operation. Because I was too coward; because I was too
unmindful of my mother’s advice; because I didn’t want to seek doctor’s assistance;
because I chose to follow my “not so wise prescription”… the pain I was
enduring for several days became unbearable that only a minor operation can
stop the infection from further damage.
Dengue. Just when a huge
financial crisis started to haunt us, I had skin allergy, UTI and a severe case
of dengue all happened in almost two weeks. While consulting a doctor and undergoing blood testing for two
consecutive days, I was also continuously rejecting medical professionals' recommendation to have myself admitted in the hospital. I thought I was
superman that only kryptonite can take my life. And then, boom! On one Thursday night, flat red rashes
occupied my whole skin. The itchiness of the rashes was complemented with on and off high fever. I had the most
bothering sleepless evening ever. And after five days of cheating myself, my
doctor’s trembling voice on our second meeting finally convinced me to have
serious monitoring and treatment in the hospital.
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I had a lot of travel plans that went pear-shaped including a
birthday getaway in Tarlac, Tanay or Tagaytay. I wanted to experience kart
racing in Tarlac, feel the rush and gratify my need for speed; or walk on
mountains and see the world on top of it. If I only I knew what others were
thinking, I should have followed my collective plans. Admittedly, I have not overcome this
bitterness even up to this day. Para akong nanakawan pero hindi ko pwedeng
ireport sa pulis. Ganon! Pak! But I will move on and forget this eventually.
********************
I was my mother’s right hand; a shoulder to cry on; her support
system. In the 4th quarter of 2015, financial crisis were left and
right. Though not a personal problem, I couldn’t take away myself from it. But with the help of God even in the worst of times I was able to put on a brave face. I guess, through the years I've become more patient and resilient. Sometimes ‘the not so good
events’ in our lives are blessings in disguise.
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In my Novena to God’s Love, I wrote: I want to send someone to
school. It is still unclear if God has already answered my prayer in the person
of a twenty year old high school graduate who wanted to take up a vocational
course. Last year, while my mother was desperately juggling our finances, I was
using a part of our income from our micro business to help support this young
man in finding a job. He wanted to take the opportunity to work and earn while
enrollment is still far. I supported him to the best of my ability. It was not only physically draining but financially challenging as well. Two
months later, he was able to find a job. The whole process was a test of character. I refuse to stop there. I pray that the Lord will continue to
give us patience and strength so we can guide him in his journey towards the
achievement of his ultimate dream - to give his own family a better life.
********************
In 2015, I realized that my connection with my closest friends has
started to narrow. Our eagerness to see each other was no longer as high as compared
to the days when most of us were still single and ready to mingle. Sometime in
August, an older sister of a dear friend died of cancer. The night before my
birthday, some of us had a mini reunion in a wake. Ironically, this sad event made us gather. Fast
forward, we met again last December 30 just to catch up and simply chillax. We
had dinner, watched an MMFF entry and spent the night in our living room. We
were only three but our voices were equivalent to eight. Lol! I also made it a
point to see some of my college friends and a former colleague before 2015
ends. Just so our bond will not be completely broken. Ganun yata talaga kapag
tumatanda na…tapos may FB pa. :(
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On a happier note, in
April 2015, together with some relatives and a couple of high school friends, I
stepped on the grounds of Ilocos. It was the longest road trip I ever had in my
entire life. Yes, it’s a long travel and a very tiring one but it’s worth it.
The 4x4 Adventure and Sandboarding at La Paz Sand Dunes awaken the
thrill-seeker in me. It was pure adrenaline rush. Nonetheless, my most
favorite. It was like riding a roller coaster without any protective device.
Just hold on tight and call all angels in heaven to protect you. Lol! Kidding
aside, Ilocos is a place that offers buffet of things you can do in Ilocos – from exhilarating adventures
to historical sites to nature trip. This travel vacation was made extra special
for me because I had relatives and friends all in high spirit in one frame. I
was the happiest, indeed.
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Of course, my year wouldn’t
be complete without attending “The Feast” with my cousins. Nothing beats the feeling of praying and worshiping the Lord beside a loved one. After The Feast, we
would eat together and stroll together and take selfies until the sun goes
down. Unfortunately, our Sundates were fewer last year. Hope 2016, will be different.
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To sum it up, 2015 had legion of thorny issues. In the middle of my post, I mentioned bitterness. Honestly, I feel guilty for not allowing myself to completely forgive and forget. This 2016, I hope and pray that I will overcome. The truth is, I have a lot of things to be thankful for in 2015. I've learned to see Christ in different people specially in times of difficulty. In the scripture Matthew 11:28 it says “
Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” God was physically present in every moment I was in pain. I felt God’s presence
in my mother’s loving arms when I was hospitalized and at my weakest point. I
felt God’s presence in my doctor's genuine compassion to help me get well and
lighten our hospital expenses. I felt God’s presence in all medical professionals
I met when there was something unusual happening in my system. I felt God’s
presence when I have peace of mind under any circumstances. I was never alone in my battle that's why it's perfectly fine to rest. God is good all the time. Kudos 2015!
Cheers to more peaceful,
healthier and happier 2016!
To God be the Glory!
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