A Letter to Cherish

City in the Jungle

Sometimes, our work as teachers are unrecognized either by the adminstrators or by the parents of the children we teach. Teaching is not an easy job since we deal with people. The honing and training that are involved are challenging even if they are only fours and fives. 

With the last Open House for my project presentation, I received a letter from an Australian mum and it suddenly filled me with conviction and validation. I am sharing her heart warming letter here.






Dear Jonathan,

Thank you yesterday for providing me with an opportunity to learn more about Louis' schooling experience. It was a real delight to hear him speak so passionately about the project. I was very impressed by the book of work that Louis showed me and how far he has developed with his numbers, alphabet , etc. As I traveled home yesterday from the presentation what struck me more than the academics was the sheer joy on their little faces of being able to share with their respective Mum's and Dad's their work but more than this was the promotion of others and their work. I overheard many children saying to their parents "This is my work and this is Nate's, Brace's, Sofia's, etc."  It is lovely to see in action the relationships that have been formed and fostered by your tutelage, it is a real credit to you. 

Anyway, I wanted to drop you a line to say "thanks" not only for teaching Louis the fundamentals which are important for life but also in guiding him on how to connect meaningfully with others- this skill I think will serve him the best in life! 

Many thanks

Bel 


Nothing beats when someone, even just one, believes in you. My goal for the next two months before I start my summer break is to continue forth the light as I pass them to my students. 

A blessed day to all!

Commemorating

While seated inside the plane, he was oblivious from the noise of the flight attendants serving drinks. His mind was that of blankness though it was filled with deep sorrows and regrets. "Would you like some drinks, sir?" asked the lady but she received no answer. A meaningless smile and a little nod were all he mustered.

Tears were running down his cheeks as he continuously hear what his mother had been pleading. "Do not abandon me, do not abandon me." were repeatedly playing in his mind. Those last steps from the house where he came from were the last prints he planned of leaving. There was no going back. It was his final goodbye.

As the plane touched down at the airport of his destination, the announcement of safe arrival did not even ring anything. With quick steps but with a heavy heart, he proceeded to the arrival area and hailed a cab. Albeit older than the rest of the cabs parked and waiting for passengers, he boarded and anxiously awaited to reach his house, which is now his home. 

For more than a year, there were no phone calls or e-mails exchanged between him and his family. There was total silence. Communication had never been a household name, it was always business like, so hearing from no one is a common thing.

Then one morning, he received numerous calls from his phone with numbers unfamiliar to him. He ignored them as he was busy with his work but one message triggered him to stop. It said, "Please call home ASAP!"

There were goosebumps all over his body. It was very peculiar why on that specific day, he chose to turn on his phone. Normally, it is off for the whole morning and afternoon. The goosebumps turned into shock, and then waves of tears and sobbing. He asked for a leave of absence and was brought home to collect himself.

The next day, he boarded a plane to go back to see his family. The plane trip was only less than four hours but it was agonizing. The same feeling he had when he last left was felt, though a bit heavier. It wasn't going to end. It was just the beginning.

And on that particular night, he went to visit his mom. Dressed in white, he entered the room while a Catholic mass was going on. When he took small steps to sit in front, all eyes were on him and the silence was deafening. It was only the chanting of the priest that filled the room. A pat on the back, a timid smile, a nod were exchanged with each other as they looked into each other's eyes. 

When the priest called the family to bless his mom, that's when he bursted into tears. It wasn't a show of grief, it was a feeling of regret. A much needed apology for leaving his mom for a long time. 

My mom carried me in her womb for nine months, and maybe some more years in her arms as I was growing up. I know she loved me dearly. Circumstances in the house forced me to leave and when I took that brave step, I decided to stand on my own and lead a better life. Though I had few days in a year to see and chat with her, it wasn't enough. All that remained are the great memories I have of her, and those will be cherished for a lifetime. 

This is written to commemorate her first death anniversary. Wherever you are, you are truly loved.

Lobel's The Mouse and the Seashore

A mouse told his mother and father that he was going on a trip to the seashore.

"I have made my decision," said the Mouse firmly. "I have never seen the ocean, and it is high time that I did. Nothing can make me change my mind."

More than a decade ago, I made my decision to leave the country because I found no peace being with my family. I treaded on thin grounds, trying to know myself and my capacity as a person and I was equally lost. Moving away was the best answer to escape. 

Even before morning had ended, the mouse came to know trouble and fear. 

With only a hundred dollars in my pocket, I took a one way plane to Thailand and was met with derisions from the people I worked with. I remembered not being invited to a trip my fellow teachers embarked while being looked down by some of the people in school.

By afternoon the Mouse had been attacked by birds and dogs. He had lost his way several times. He was bruised and bloodied. He was tired and frightened.

When I moved out of that toxic environment, I was met with doubts because of my younger age and with unfairness in terms of remuneration. I was working double time, to show how good I am as a teacher. There were more racists comments because of my origin. 

None of these hardships and everyday battles were known to my parents. I never tell them because they have their own issues to take care as well. 

At evening, the Mouse slowly climbed the last hill and saw the seashore spreading out before him. All the colors of the sunset filled the sky.

After a number of years, I was able to prove to others that colour does not educate children, it is the person. I was able to grow in confidence in facing truths. I became more solid and unbroken by negative remarks. I became stronger and more matured.

"How beautiful!" cried the Mouse. "I wish that Mother and Father were here to see this with me."

With so much done, I became in love with traveling and gardening. I went away for days and for weeks alone and enjoyed the company of new friends met and old friends resurrected. 

I became witness to nature's wonders. I nurtured seeds and grew them in my garden. I took care of plants just like they were my own little children. I embraced the beauty that surrounds me everyday and wishing I am sharing the joy with my parents. 

The Mouse sat silently on the top of the hill. He was overwhelmed by a feeling of deep peace and contentment. 

My mom passed away a year ago and I know in my heart that she is happy in Heaven. My father and I have been building bridges what with our years of animosity and void conversations. I am no longer as strong as before in facing life's challenges. I am happy with what I have and all I long for is peace. 

One day my story will also end like the mouse, silently sitting down and reminiscing all the great things in his life.

(Arnold Lobel is one great author and among his many works, I do like the book entitled Fables. This book itself received The Caldecott Medal and was published in 1980.)

Food Trips and Friends

It was very hectic as I was selling things, running to different government places to apply for papers and needed documents during my short stay in Manila. Since one of my closest friends was also visiting, we took time off our schedules to meet.

The Raffles Residence was the venue of our first meeting. The Raffles is described as endlessly enchanting, with understated elegance, refined and contemporary luxury and there was no doubt that I had to agree. The security from the main gate to the front desk was well-guarded and filled with welcome smiles and warm reception. I wanted it to be my home.

My friends and I enjoyed the camaraderie and the stories we all shared regarding families, friends and vacations. With plenty of hors d'ouevre, incredible delicious French Pate, raw meat, and cheeses, I couldn't ask for more. Top them up with tea of all kinds and coffee, a perfect afternoon tea party.

 from - www.smartparenting.com.ph

Second to the list was Cafe Mary Grace at Serendra. The place is very homey and it reminded me of old houses and even of Papelmerotti what with their small notes tucked inside tables. The place is small but cozy and even early that morning it was filled with people thus service wasn't spectacular. The food is exquisite though and with its famous hot chocolate drink, simply divine.


The conversation with my two friends was all about retirement. The dream of having a place for vacation locally was on top of the list. We didn't stay long and later transferred to a tea house afterwards. 

The day before I left, we really have to spend one more time even if it means we need to squeeze or skip some appointments. This time it was at Oasis Hotel opposite Paco Park in a restaurant called My Kitchen by Chef Chris. 

Since I am no food blogger and my memory of names regarding food is limited, all I can say is that the food were good and that the last meet with my high school buddies was the cherry on top. 

I wish I could be with my friends all the time but with our choices and different lives, it is not possible. However, we make sure we get to see each other when opportunities arise. Eating out was just an excuse. The meetings made capped our years of friendship. It was worth the stories, stored for others to hear and share. It was friendship without borders. 

(A late post since these happened in January, 2014.)