The year 2011 has finally ended, leaving behind
hundreds, and maybe thousands, of scars in
people’s lives. Thank God for the gift of time.
Its purpose is to heal. Nothing and no one can escape time. The healing
may come today or tomorrow.
For some people,
it may take years. But
we hope and pray that the
wounds will produce the
greatest virtues like perseverance,
wisdom, patience,
faith, and courage.
We are still reeling
against the effects of the
tragedy but acts of heroism
could not be ignored.
Many lives were lost, but
Filipinos, as a nation,
came together as one in
helping and supporting
each other.
Life is a constant
barrage of challenges. No
one can boast about being
prepared in everything.
The calamity can
bring the best or the worst
in us.
One heart-warming
episode that came up
while I was watching
news on the national television
was a group of
working students of
Foundation University
who became part of the
rescue party that saved
many lives near the rampaging
Banica River as
houses and people were
swept away by floodwater.
The students lowered
down ladders for people
to climb up as they were trapped between the
high fence and the angry
swelling river.
In Mindanao, a
man got drowned while
saving another’s life. Stories
of heroism were
heart-warming. Young
and old volunteers from
different sectors came
pouring in during relief
operations.
May the impression
of heroism and resiliency
prevail in 2011 as it ends,
not hatred and pointing
fingers.
Typhoon Sendong
has already left the country
but there is still a fury
that remains unabated
that would not leave the
area of responsibility.
This is about the emerging
discrimination on political
colors. Sadly, this
seems to emanate from
the very head of this
country. May the coming
year 2012 not be spent on
“whose side are you
favoring syndrome”.
We are also a group
of people who is made up
of many contrasts. We
can love unconditionally
but can be unforgiving
when it comes to power
and politics.
We need to concentrate
on what actions to
take to help the displaced
families who still feel the
traumatic effect of the
flood physically, psychologically
and emotionally.
They need to live in a
safer site to prevent the
same incident to happen
again.
The year 2011 has finally ended, leaving behind
hundreds, and maybe thousands, of scars in
people’s lives. Thank God for the gift of time.