Watched features of protests on the news just this morning. It gave me the creeps. I mourn for a Friend I have lost. I am not sure if he is alive. It reminded of this kid, he was smart, full of passion, intelligent.
Year 2000. Met him in college, in Silliman University. He used to tell me of his dreams, he told me of his love for education, for human rights, for unity and peace in the country. Fast forward. Brought him to church but they all felt it wasn't worth putting effort to reach out to him. I left school and started working, years later, moved to Singapore, didn't hear of him for years. Year 2010, a decade after long silence, he emailed me asking for my number. I was surprised, I got his number and called him back asap! He told me no one knew he is alive, people presumed him dead and I should not tell a single soul he made contact. Let people assume he is dead. I asked him where has been after all these years, he told me he joined the forces. After I left school, he joined the Leftist group. I cried because I understood exactly how hard that is to resist in our school, but I couldn't help feel sadness as it is hard to understand what he is fighting for. He dedicated his whole life fighting what he believes is right, I respect that, telling me all his hate for our government. It is good to have the passion to fight what we believe in, but it hurt me too much to see him throw all his dreams. I felt like I could have done something to influence him when he was 17yrs old. I decided to meet him in secret. It probably one of the most Bravest thing I have thought of doing. It was dangerous, but I felt it was worth meeting a man, to give myself a chance to redeem myself and maybe convince him; I don't even know why I did that. So I booked a flight to Manila to meet him, I didn't even know how he looked like anymore, but all I know, someone needed me to be there and help clear his thoughts. I flew to Manila, booked hotels, went to Mall of Asia. I was asked to stand in the middle of this area at the mall and was told he will just come tap me on shoulder. It scared me like it felt like in the movies, only then I realised how dangerous it was. I prayed no one shoots me in the head! But hell yeah, I risked my life to talk to an old Friend, I might not talk to or see another time. He tapped my shoulder and we walked together, sat a restaurant for hours as he told me his story. I cried a thousand tears of his story and I was too helpless to do something about it. Not easy to understand how people can be so passionate to fight for what they believe is right, I can't be that radical. He reminded me to be careful and not live my life loving materialism in this world and keep thinking of the POOR. To love those who have nothing, to keep my heart for those who have none and not keep love for money. I have kept that by heart. We said our goodbyes and that kept my heart grounded. He told me he doesn't know what his future hold, it could be the last time I see him alive. That day I hugged and said bye, was the last time I met him in years. I told my Husband about this kid, it still breaks my heart how society could mold and sometimes break us. I still wait for the day he gets in touch again, I will let him meet my Husband and share stories. I still pray to this very day that he is alive. I know somewhere you are just checking on me time to time. I am always a Friend and a family, no matter what. One day you will get in touch. We keep waiting. Who knows this post will reach him. If it does, do contact me. You know who you are Brother.
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EmilyAnderson
And now these three remain: FAITH HOPE LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE. I LOVE to write, about LIFE, LOVE, PEOPLE, EXPERIENCE, day to day life and INSIGHTS. I love to Travel. I travel a lot, I create Video blogs on my travel as well as I write about experience, culture, highlights and knowledge. May this site serve you well. I will be open for comments and suggestions, as well as topics I could write about. Thank you very much. Archives
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