Luab: When the best appears

AFTER I came down from the Holy Family Retreat House for a day of prayer with 15 other people, I felt so at peace, so full of love from the realization that the world we live in is still such a nice place.

Before I left the place, I went around the gardens and appreciated the orange zennias bobbing their tiny little heads at me. I brushed my hands over the white and violet bougainvillas that were all clustered in one large pot. They were practically engulfing me in their beauty.

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The chirping of the birds in varied decibels of cooing, and twittering and whistling made me envy the priests who live there. What a joy it must be to face the day with these wake up calls.

Listening over the airwaves and watching the campaign ads of our politicians can be depressing. That is why I decided to write about certain people who showed me the best of who they are.

I was so impressed by a friend, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, who accompanied me to the depressed area that I usually visit. Just when we were ready to leave the place, a commotion erupted at the tiny path that we had to take.

A group of men were drinking—as early as 5 p.m. In their rush to get at each other, we were nearly trampled. My friend shoved me behind him and in a stentorian voice told the man who had raised a bottle of beer and ready to strike: “Bay, dunay, mangamatay nato ani. Og dili siya (pointing to the guy the bottle was aimed at), ikaw ug dili, basin pa ako kay hunongon ko ang away. Hain kahay maayo og palitan tamo og duha ka kilong bugas kada usa. Malipay pa ang inyong pamilya (Friend, someone may die, either this guy, you, or perhaps even I since I intend to stop this fight. How about if I buy you two kilos of rice each. Your families would be happy to see you with the rice).”

Coming from an imposing five-foot, 11-inches guy and still in the prime of youth, they paused to look at him. One smart aleck in the group of four impishly grinned and said: “Pakapine og sardinas, boss (Add sardines, boss)!" I guess that smart aleck didn’t want a fight either. So with about P80 each, my friend, with such aplomb and quick thinking, averted what could have been a tragedy.

When I commented on his bravery, he brushed me off by saying, “Basic training at the academy, plus my youth.” Impishly he chuckled. “I was hoping that they would recognize you!”

My young friend is now in Mindanao, probably working with the youth in some depressed area during break periods in his camp life. But wherever he lands, his best will be there.

This time I will share with you what a saint-of-a-woman did. She married someone who was way up high in the ladder of success. They had three children. After some time, he went philandering and then settled with another woman and had children with her.

For a time, we all grieved with my friend but she overcame her pain. Eventually her children got through college and became men and women she could be proud of.

One day, the ex-husband became terribly sick. His legs had to be amputated and it seemed the hospitalization and medication drained his finances. Who came to the rescue? My friend! She brought him home from the hospital, and after his lingering illness he died. That’s not all. She helped his youngest daughters finish college. Yes, Virginia! There are saints who still walk with us. These were extraordinary acts from ordinary people who allowed the best to come through.

The Philippines does not lack sturdy men and women who, young or old give the best of who they are. I guess many times we just fail to let them know how we appreciate their being great! To my great friends, I’m letting you know today, how much I appreciate your presence in my world. You know who you are.