Remembering Them

Though the colour of the leaf changed,
the shape was still intact. Heart forever!

During these few days when I was bored to death, I happened to stumble on a programme through YouTube which is called Undercover Boss. Watching each episode brought tears to my eyes because of the generosity of the employers toward the most loyal workers and hardworking ones.  I was wishing that my employer will also do the same, if not of any monetary help, but of a personal encouragement and gratitude for every great year of teaching.

Anyway, I am then writing a handful of great things that happened to me since I was much younger so as to celebrate the generosity and support of the many people around me, still present or long gone but always remembered.

The generosity of friends - When my mum passed away, my friends were there not only as a support but also to help carry the burden of the expenses.  Then, when my dad passed away two years after, the financial help I got from all of my friends was exceedingly generous.

The magnanimity of others - When I got hospitalized and then recuperated at home, there was a daily supply of food from breakfast to dinner for a week until I was able to go back to work.  The doorbell rang everyday and there was something hanging on the gate of the house.  There was also a mum who came in with a large pot of soup for me to eat. They were exceedingly helpful.

The compassion of people - And there were also emotional support from friends such as my conversation with an Italian friend inside her car; when I opened my soul to a Singaporean buddy; when I stayed over in the house of a Malaysian pal while I was in Kuala Lumpur; when I spoke about my school's dilemma with a French teacher; when I am constantly being guided by a high school buddy in Manila, and when I cried on the phone talking with my good friend in Australia.

The absence of individuals - I will never forget my best friend from the US whose death gave me sorrow.  She was the penultimate in giving support both emotionally and socially.  Also, I will never forget how my beloved friend invited me over for their church service and later becoming my closest. His presence at the wake of my dad was priceless.

I couldn't thank them enough because no words are best fitted for their help. However, I am still writing them here not only to remember them but also to celebrate their friendships and memories.