I saw this message from my niece Karen's FB status...
So fitting for our present situation...
We live life full of joy, laughing out loud, all the excitement, going through our daily routine, making plans, believing nothing will go wrong...
Many times we become proud and feel on top of the world!
Then, reality strikes!!!
We can't leave for a travel abroad...considering the registration was an $800.00 equivalent prize... and everything else will be paid for!
We can't leave for my son's birthday... but happy enough he is away already!
We don't have money (no banks OR no work!)... and no flights!
We can't leave because we feel we are needed here... even if we sense the danger and the fear!
The former three are twists of fate...
The latter is a CHOICE!
Many of us had opportunities pass because of the MNLF Stand-off...
and even, more as Day 16 doesn't seem to be the last day!
Many of us are now shaken from our comfort zones!
Going on duty for 16 to 24 hours... when the need arises!
Seeing more bloody patients and death in line of duty!
But, we realize others even had more nerve-wracking experiences...
...coming face-to-face with the MNLF while you have 8 children with you as you were evacuating
...seeing armed MNLF men down the road with view of the hostages
...being hostaged!
...listening to eerie silence
...fleeing from their homes
...walking several kilometers through mangrove areas and muddy fishponds
...crossing one bamboo and a thin rope with a kid on the back, trying to balance so as not to fall in thigh-deep waters
...fear of having houses burned
...and with houses really burned
...injury and death while in the line of fire or even from stray bullets and mortars
...staying in evacuation centers
...living with friends and relatives
...listening to explosions and fire exchange as though it is just behind our back
...listening to hovering choppers
...panicking over inside information
...our friends really and actually leaving because they could not stand the pressure and the terror... for their children... for their elderly parents... and also for themselves!... and I do hope not because of any "inside information!"
...and the list goes on!!!
Simply put, the bad things in life!
But, everyone is now thinking of ways to help...
Others encourage others to help... in whatever way!
Someone said, if you do not have the money to share, why not donate blood to the Red Cross!
The young kids and the adults, too offer their talent in their own schools, agencies, place of work, community groups and even among friends
...continuing their present work responsibilities against the odds
...in cooking, repacking, distributing goods for the displaced
...and also being part of the Therapeutic shows!
...of just sharing time to those who need them!
We now appreciate more what we have... and what we have taken for granted!
Indeed, "Be thankful to the Bad things in life, for they
open your eyes to the Good things you were not paying attention to before!"
