09/09/2015
So the other day was the last day of our community pool and so I joined my son and savored the last sun bathing and swimming. My prayers has always led me to people, circumstance, and even to new acquaintances. These all came without realizing it at first. A man my age was sitting beside me while steadily and intently looking on his 5 year old boy, tossing a ball, running, laughing and having fun just by himself. I was also observing the boy and then I began to remember all the memories when Zach was still in that age. I had a short " flashback" moment. The Dad noticed and so I told him to enjoy every moment of his son because kids just grow up so fast. To make the story short, we began to have a conversation. He then told me that the boy is autistic and he is taking care of him by himself. He began to sound so down and discouraged and told him that his boy is fearfully and wonderfully made. It changed his face. He smiled. But then there was something more than that. Something that made me stop for awhile. He said his wife couldn't take care of the boy. She is on a medication. She is suffering from a mental condition and most of the times, it's hard for the family. It's an everyday struggle that they have to face and he has to endure. After hearing the whole story, although I can't tell the whole detail, I can say that it must be really really hard for him and his kid. But despite of everything, he managed to smile, spend time with his boy and most of all, he stayed with his wife, loves her with his whole heart and giving her all the support that she needs. To be honest, I don't think I can handle the situation that he's going through. I told him to stay grounded and to remain strong. After the whole conversation, he thanked me and said " thank you for listening, thank you for talking to me and thank you for understanding me"( with his right hand on his chest ). I said no worries and you're always welcome and gave him a firm hand shake and introduced my name.
Sometimes, some people just need someone to talk to. I know I was put on that chair yesterday with a purpose, and that's the purpose. What makes it so amazing is that it benefits both parties. That conversation was also a wake up call for me. This past few weeks, I have been struggling with extreme sadness and one of the reasons is my being homesick after spending holidays in the Philippines. I dwelt on it too much that I have overlooked all other important things. I was being selfish and I focused too much on it, I allowed it to destroy me for awhile. I forgot that I got my family back home, that I have everything and I have God. There's actually nothing to complain about. I just forgot to count my blessings. It's such a shame because I was complaining about a lot of things when some people are going through something that's deeper and more painful than mine. To think of it, mine were just minor complaints. Like I'm sad, I'm empty, I can't do this, I will never make it, and so on. It's like being angry because we're not happy with our current jobs. It's like we're not happy because our spouses is not making us happy. It's like we're not contented because we don't have enough. It's like getting agitated because we missed our flight and we didn't make it on time. If we look on the other side, some people are in a ship wrecked, stranded in an island, trying to make fire to keep them warm, thirsty, hungry, and struggling. My struggle is nothing compared to the ones in a ship wrecked. This made me stop and say..who am I to complain?
Oftentimes we complain in little things when we got everything. Our family is a blessing while some are fighting to keep their family intact. Our health is a blessing while some are struggling with their breaths and maybe breathing their last one today. Our house and our home is a blessing while some are on the streets begging for food and money and nowhere to go. The list could go on and on...let's start counting our blessings today and be a blessing to everyone who needs it...
