Sunday, April 15, 2007 Luab: The angels with us By Evelyn R. Luab Light Sunday
EVERY Holy Week, some of our married children come home to bond with us. Together with them come our grandchildren.
This year, five came for a visit. Enricko, (a 13-year-old lad) Kate (five), Sinika (four) Manny (four) and Francis (“Kiko” for short), a five-month old infant who smiles and smiles.
Last Easter Sunday Father Mini spoke of angels who go to bring good news, to comfort and to make people happy.
God, in His wisdom, sent five angels to assuage a widow’s heart. It was a joy to hear shrieks of laughter as they romped in the sand, jumped with the waves and frolicked in the blue waters of Portofino.
Here are beautiful hearts tugging at questions and observations.
A grandchild during the Visita Iglesia asked, "Lola, why has Jesus many houses? Why seven houses?"
Another grandchild answered, “He has more than just seven houses: He lives in my heart and yours," as he pointed to all of us.
At another time, Kate was pushed by mischievous Manny, her brother. She fell. Here comes Sinika to the rescue, all 52 lbs. of her with arms akimbo:”Why did you hit her, Manny? Why? Why?” Her eyes were flashing with anger. For a moment I thought she would push him. Part of me was amused and part of me was worried thinking of the force of the punch.
However, she stopped short in front of him and glared. "If you do that again, I will push you!" The poor boy was properly cowed! Women do stick together!
Lunchtime on Good Friday was a riot! We had a tough time explaining why we only brought prawns and fish. First grandchild: “I don’t like fish. Why only fish?”
Oldest grandchild: “Because grown-ups have to fast and abstain from meat. They cannot eat meat.”
Another grandchild: "They only; why us, too?”
This time a naughty father couldn’t resist putting in his two bits worth. “Because your Lola wants you to suffer, too!" This was said with a wink because earlier he had complained, when he saw the food. “Mom, we can eat meat. We can abstain from something else more important than food."
Wanting to have the last word, I said, “Son, just for that remark, kindly explain to all the grandchildren why abstinence from things like pride, anger, arrogance, etc. can be a good kind of abstinence now." At my answer, everybody in the family guffawed and teased him.
The instant hugs, kisses and embraces were plentiful. Our bonding was richer and more fulfilling because of the little angels.
What really took the cake was Sinika when she approached the picture of her Lolo at the cemetery. “I miss you, Lolo. Are you okay in heaven?" I muttered under my breath, “You and me both honey," as a few tears fell down my cheeks.
A second batch of angels that brought us happiness at Portofino were my domestic help.
Gina cooked for us. Bebeth took care of the house so all of us could have fun. Janice, Aiza and Boy (our driver) made our stay at Portofino worry-free.
We did not want for anything. The girls had everything properly labeled, like tuna in flakes, tuna in water and tuna in brine. Not a single thing was forgotten. We had coolers, heaters and junk food. All we had to do was look for something and either one of them would serve it right under our very nose. What angels they were!
Roaming all around us are many of angels ready to show goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity etc. They have for us so much love! You are lucky when you recognize them. What about you? Can you be angels, too?
