(This week’s column is written by a long-time volunteer and worker at Karidat who writes from the heart.)
I’m in my fifth decade of existence on Mother Earth and reflecting on what I did at the end of the day is part of my prayer to end my day. Did I fulfill my purpose? Did I give back today? I will not forget this no matter how I age. I am proud of aging because getting older is getting wiser, as they say. With no silver streak and a dye-free virgin black crown of glory I have gracefully and beautifully aged—at least according to my husband, my most avid fan.
When I was in my elementary age days, my father and his father were both political figures in our town. My mother, on the other hand, was leading different community service projects. I grew up following her, distributing bags of oatmeal and yellow corn flour every single Saturday that I can remember. On Sundays, we were little helpers for the Mass and afternoons were reserved for movie time with my father in our favorite cinema, no matter what the weather would be. My two younger sisters looked forward for that entertainment time for all of us.
I left our town for High School; I chose to live in a dormitory and attended laboratory high school on a scholarship. Again, when I went to College, I traveled farther away. I would only go back home to spend time with my family after the entire semester, yet my mother would never miss a single month and always came to visit me. In college, weekends were spent with boarding schoolmates in different villages and in this way, I got to experience different family traditions. Those memories will never diminish. I attended fellowship and joined different churches, yet I did not ever convert out of the religion of my youth; I am a devoted Catholic, no matter how I am inclined to listen to different teachings of the Bible, administered by different heads of religion. I do perform my duties of corporal mercy.
Until the time that my firstborn son secured a part time job during his late senior year in high school, I was awakened to give back. He came surrendering his very first unopened paycheck to me at my work. He was so excited to announce that he had something for me. He handed it to me and said “Mom, my first paycheck is for you!” I was astonished, “How much?” is what blurted out from me. “I don’t know! It’s for you! You’ve been working for us, now it’s my turn.” He then rushed away. My colleague was so touched she was in tears though I was not: even to this day I am still spellbound by what my son did. He is giving back to me! What I feel is just the epitome of joy and love.
When I told about that incident to my mother, she was happy and asked me to give hugs and kisses to my son. She then asked me to let others also feel joy and love, spread that feeling of fulfillment, and to give back. Her command was, “Trace your footprints, remember how happy you were when you give out to the most in need. You will always have enough. Make time and give back.” This is not a dawning exercise for me; it’s been deep inside and was triggered. I’m jolly, refreshed and I am so doing it.
Since then, I have helped others is so many ways. One of the most difficult times was when we harbored a woman in our house for five days and managed help her escape her abusive husband permanently. She now lives peacefully with her family oceans away. Since December 16, 2014, I am working to give food to the homeless—homeless that I never knew existed in this beautiful island until I volunteered at Karidat. There is no sweeter thing in this world as when they are sincerely grateful. Sometimes say I love you no matter what nationality difference I have with them.
Another peak moment of fulfillment was when my daughter was to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. I was elated to glory when she proposed her idea to me: “Mom, I want to make a difference in my 16th birthday, I will distribute bread for the homeless and needy at Karidat in lieu of spending for a party.” So we bought loaves of freshly baked bread from Himawari and then she went with us in Karidat Social Services and performed food distribution for her special day.
Therefore, this will not end; I will give back, give back and give back. Although you can give without love, you can never love without giving. Attempt to enjoy love and most especially peace every day, sleep like a baby at night, and begin giving back!
