Hope for Bohol

A walk at the plant market resulted in purchasing a small potted Yellow Bell plant to take home. It was almost time for the shops to pack up so the plant was sold cheap. But it was discounted more because the plant doesn't look healthy. Albeit the imperfections, I took it home, re-potted it and waited for it to bloom.

The plant was difficult to read. Though it grew healthy and big throughout, I cannot but be perplexed for the condition of the leaves, both young and mature. They were always ripped and torn as if something of unknown origin, brings destruction to the leaves every day and night. It wasn't a bug problem nor the presence of the wind as the plant is quite enveloped by the cascading branches of a bigger tree. The cause will probably be a question in my mind for a long time. 

The resilience of people is like the battered leaves of my Yellow Bell tree. The agitated and broken-spirits of the people of Bohol will be pictured in newspapers and television news. Their disbelief and quest for answers will fill the air everyday. The number of loss lives cannot be taken back. It happened and became a part of our commune with nature's wrath. 

It took almost two years for the plant to produce what it is producing now. The blooms had been aplenty as the rain had been watering my sole Yellow Bell plant without hamper. Peaking through the window this morning, I got myself a surprise to see more big balloon like buds ready to burst in a day or two. What glorious presents from Mother Nature. 

Though battered and marred, Bohol will rise up again to be the precious city I find endearing to my heart. It was one of the best places I had the pleasure of visiting. Though the religious sanctuaries won't be around anymore, those historical places had been home to many a faithful and devoted God fearing people. I do believe that their faith and hope will shine, just like the flowers, in due time. 

Let the healing of the people be done first. Then things will look bright when we all pray for our countrymen. We are known to have the great ability to rise up, even when pummeled with adversities and we will stand with dignity and pride at the end. 

The simplicity of the tree gave me a life lesson to reflect on. The leaves are ruptured yet the fruit of its existence still produced perfect results. Our spirits, crushed they maybe, will still bring a beacon of hope. 

Trust. Believe. Have faith.