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Saturday, July 02, 2005
How do you want to be remembered?
By Jonah Jane G. Enterina
I CAME home from Mass one day. And I came home inspired by the priests' homily. It was about continuing doing good deeds to people, helping them in spite of your own problems and worries in life. I was struck by those words because last week I was worried about finances like most, if not all of my friends and acquaintances. Worried about helping my family put food on the table, school finances, bills, "pamiliti" and the list will go on and on. Well, you may add your own worries here.
Looking back how I reacted to this experience, I see myself wallow in a state called helplessness. No money, no nothing. It was as if my world depends solely on money. It was as if my life would not move when money is not around. Money is important, yes, I agree but it must not be an obstacle to live life.
Then, I remembered an uncle way back when I was still in my 1st year in college. He was known to be a drunkard and a chain smoker. He has a loud voice as loud as his karaoke playing the music of Bon Jovi and the rest of his favorite artists.
My uncle did not finish college. I'm not sure if he really was able to go to college or even graduated from high school. And he works as a truck driver. And he drives so fast! He even tried to drive his big truck right in front of me then hitting the brakes laughing! He was joking, yes, and I thought I would die that day. What an uncle, huh!
I remember, too, the good deeds my uncle did for me. When my classes are over, I would go to my uncle's house. I told him about what happened in school. I told him lots of things from my worries about my parents having a hard time paying my tuition down to my crushes. I told him about why I like and admire this guy and that guy. I shared with my uncle about my dream house that would disappear in the morning so that no robbers can enter! And he would just laugh with me and even suggested that he would be the one to create the remote control so that my so-called dream house will disappear in the morning and re-appear in the evening! Up to this day, I can still remember him giving me his only P10 when he heard that I have no fare to school. Now, that I was able to finish college, I remember him being a good listener. He listened to my "very impossible dream house," he listened and laughed every time I giggled talking about my crushes.
In short, he gave time to listen. My uncle gave his time to really listen in spite of his own weaknesses and educational background. He may not be Mr. Executive-Supervisor Manager-Bossing whatsoever but he was there to listen, he inspired me in his own humble way.
How about you? How do you want to be remembered? And by the way, he was not a blood relative. But he's my Uncle! (You can email me at jay_gamay@ excite.com)
(July 2, 2005 issue)
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