SOME people come into our lives without an impact, but some bring change, helping us learn how to trust. They are rare and have become at par with our family. And even that as friends are like sugar and salt, its difference to its flavor's blends. Can we name the first person we call when something happens in our lives? Can you think of that person that rescues you as fast as Wonder Woman or Superman?
Allow me to share about one of my best friends, Nancy Bargamento.
Nineteen years ago, when I was new at Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), it was as if I was on a lonely planet. I would say that I mingle with everyone, but I never trusted one. I may enter the faculty room for a purpose, but I choose not to stay longer. I spent most of my time researching or preparing class materials in the faculty resource center.
But here comes a colleague "Nancy" who always finds time to locate me on the campus; God knows I always hide when it is almost five in the afternoon. Because when work was done, she would always offer to bring me home. She will also ask me to join her to have snacks, and when I refuse, she will tell me it will be her treat. It is like I do not have a choice.
Nancy was also one of those who encouraged me to apply at SunStar Davao. She would always tell me I am good at things when I am not and celebrate my achievements. We would plan together for course syllabus updating, lecture materials preparation, and classroom activities for most of the day. And after years, I have realized that I am starting as well finding her when I am on campus.
Alas, I have trusted "Nancy," and I am happy. I guess aside from her walking too fast, which tires me when we are in the mall, I did not see any attitude I did not like about her. In fact, she is not only a loving friend to me, mother to her children, and wife to her husband but a brilliant teacher, nurse, and everyone's favorite. Never will you see her frowning, always with a face glowing, bringing joy to others.
Nancy knows me inside and out, funny, but even if I say I am full, she will know if I am hungry. And even when I pretend to be well, she would know that I am sick. Often that I have been hospitalized, I find her present. She buys me medicines, offers my kids gifts, and gets angry at my stubbornness at times. She even plans for my diabetic diet and monitors if I follow.
But here is the sad story... Four years ago, I remember when Nancy finally resigned as a clinical instructor to work abroad. Two days before she left. I was in her car, and she kept repeating – "buy and take your medicine, cut your sugar, lose weight, take care of your health and slow down at work." I was about to cry then, but I remembered that she hated seeing me crying. And I wondered why? But now, I have realized that it is one way of teaching me to be strong because she will not be so near to defend me one day.
Now that she stays abroad with her family, sad but we have maintained communicating. Nancy left, but I became strong-willed. And now that five years have passed, we both are growing old. Even before, she had a sharper memory than me. By coincidence, we both have the same birth month of September. And while I always forget to remember her exact birthdate, she always remembers mine.
In this world, it is never easy for all to find their best friends. I am glad I have seen "Nancy." I just hope all have their "Nancys'" in their lives. A friend who opts to share their pains and be their strengths when powerless. I wish everyone to have "Nancy" with a voice and smile that can heal wounded hearts. Finding the "Nancy" in our lives feels free and innocent like a child without inhibitions because we can be precisely ourselves. Let us then fly together with our wonder women or supermen.