Heartspeaks

Dear Kimberly, Jamaica and John Mark,

It was in the first week of August, when I first, met the three of you. You all wore strange head dresses, colorful bandanas and wigs, except for the little but strong brother, John Mark. Your distant gazes puzzled me, and I often wondered why you had strange rejection of the most awaited ‘chicken” meals. Tita told me, you find such food strange. Deep in my heart, I asked why. Why you look and act a little different from the rest.

Yet your bonding as siblings impressed me. I observed how you protected each other, from a classmate who teased or an annoying pull from another peer. I caught a naughty act from a classmate, who pulled your colorful “wig” out of curiosity, revealing your little hair strands growing slowly. I know it hurts you, but you girls never cried nor fought back. Instead you just put back the wigs and continued your work. Tita said your papa shaved your heads because of lice.

Forgive me for I inquired and observed much about you all. I learned your mom left and marry someone else, leaving your father to take care of you all. Isn’t your father an amazing man? I heard he’s working real hard, doubling the effort, doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and still working in the nearby junkshop. Being a full time mom is a challenging thought for me. I still can’t imagine the strength that your father has raising you all.

Last week, I met your father. He was there during recess time. He was coaching you Kimberly, remember? He was coaching you to tell teacher that the boy beside you is being a nuisance. I met him again the next day, with 3 pesos at hand ready to pay for the snacks you ate, for 1 peso each. Your father escorts you all to school, wait till all of you are settled and returns to peak in once in a while and pick you up in the afternoon. He has all rounded abilities! Hope John Mark, that in time you would inherit those too!

As you were all about to go home, I observed you. Older girls, you were packing your stuff. You were carrying a plastic envelop with very organized notebooks, papers and pens. Don’t you think your dad deserves a big thumbs-up? Yeah! For being a very good provider, coach and disciplinarian

Today we had our program in school. Your father attended. He wore a very cool outfit. Nice polo shirt, very neat shoes and very proud smile to see that you will all dance and sing. He sang along with you all as we invited the parents to sing “Hawak Kamay” (a popular Filipino pop music today, inviting everybody to join hands in the midst of struggles, poverty and pains of life.)

In my heart I wish for many fathers like your papa. I wish your papa’s example would touch the many people he encounters each day; his neighbors, his co-workers so many can make a difference like him.

I wish to thank God for your family. You touched my heart profoundly. This I know will be as source of light and strength. Tonight, I remember you all warmly; love had a picture in seeing you three together with your amazing father. May you all grow embracing the wonders of love that cures all pains, eases all hunger and nurses all wounds.

Lastly, I wish to congratulate the three of you, you all danced so well today. You girls were pretty with the flowery costumes. And John Mark, I feel you are slowly going out of your shell as you sing with the rest. Carry on!!!