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No tears for petty attachments
Two weeks ago, I had a talk with Eva Java, mother of John, a 5-year-old with acute leukemia. The diagnosis on John's condition was made last February 2007 and since then, he underwent chemotherapy. However, due to financial difficulties, Eva and her husband Bautista opted to stop the said treatment. This led infection to bombard John's body. They had no choice but to resume treatment. They want to save their son's life no matter what it takes.
For someone who experienced the feeling that your life may be snuffed out early, it somehow broke my heart to hear of the Nava couple's plight. I could just imagine the nightly tears and worries they go through as they plead to God to take good care of John and hopefully make him well.
For some of us who enjoy such comfortable lives, sometimes, it's so hard to emphatize. But we can do our share of reflection in our lives. That encounter with the Javas led me to one decision. From then on, I should not allow myself to wallow in self-pity, sulk or waste my time complaining on petty attachments. That there are others who have more serious problems than ours.
I have this prayer book that states, "Do consider that the problems of other people are bigger than your own." How many times have we whined about how our parents don't give us enough allowance? Or if a boyfriend or girlfriend does not give you enough time? Of it a husband or wife has forgotten about the anniversary. When someone stood you up. When a friend failed to support you during a bad time. When a business deal goes wrong. When a saleslady gives you the wrong pair of shoes. When an employer points out your mistake. When people in your social circles gossip about you. When you were seated near the kitchen instead of being treated like royalty in a party. When given a cheap drink during a party where you are only a guest. When you whine on how another person pissed you off. Or just about anything that sums up to one thing --- not getting what you want or things not happening your way, thus we sulk and whine as our way of showing unhappiness. And when we are irritable, it affects others. And it makes you look old and ugly.
Then, you meet people like Eva and others who are suffering so much. Suddenly all these petty attachments that disturb you no longer matter. For there are people out there who are pushed against the wall and just don't know what to do but turn to God and pray that everything will be okay.
So, when friends asked me why I'm still upbeat despite the fact that my boyfriend cheated on me (karma? hahahaha), I only have one answer. Crying over useless and petty attachments is unfair to people like the Javas. For after all, I have so much to thank for in my life and I just couldn't complain. As I repeatedly tell myself: The people who stay, matter. And those who leave, don't matter.
By the way, John Java is just one of the three children with cancer who are beneficiaries of Kaibigan ng mga Kabataang may Kanser (KKK), of which I am a new member. On Dec. 16, 2007 at 3pm (Php100) and 6pm (Php300), we will have two one-act plays at the UPV Auditorium. Ateneo de Manila University's Entablado will perform "Ang Sistema ni Propesor Tuko" by Al Santos and "Tatlo Tatlo" by Rene Villanueva. I hope you could watch it, too and help the group finance the treatment of these children who came from poor families.
This early, we are so happy with the overwhelming support for this project. KKK's first project was Crossover, a ballet concert held last May this year. It was successful too. A few, realizing the importance of their efforts and the fulfillment of doing work for a worthy case, volunteered to become members of KKK. Presently, KKK is made up of doctors, a nurse, a teacher, a dance artist, a priest and a journalist. For more information about KKK, visit our website http://www.iloilokanserkids.com.