now’s always good in thanks giving, but often is better

IN THE Unknown Soldier (not to be confused with the tomb of the unknown soldier) comics, the principal character says “one guy can affect the outcome of a whole war! One guy in the right place… at the right time…” I read this comic book an eternity ago, but the words have remained with me since.  One person doing good for another in a moment frozen in time may be a trifle, trivial in the grand scheme of things and long-forgotten since, but the ripple effect it creates may be incalculable for so many other people. It’s hard to overestimate this, but I can’t explain it here.  I just want to thank a few people who’ve directly and indirectly been responsible (when you think about cause and effect, is there really anything that you can call indirect?) for exactly where I am now.  Again, now’s always good in thanksgiving, but often is better.  I’ve thanked them once or twice before, but it never hurts to be grateful again. [ Note : because it’s a moderately short blog, my thanks extend primarily for the last five-plus years only, and if it appears (more than once) that I’m a basket-case and candidate for mental health treatment, the truth is I probably do 😉 ] Folks.  Mom and Dad have always been there for me, always been there in my corner, (almost) never questioned my stupid decisions, and unfortunately (for them) have been there to help me clean up my mess.  Always hoping against hope, they’ve never lost faith in me, and never ask for anything in return.  How can you not appreciate them?  OVER AND BEYOND : they were there for me when I was an absentee dad for the last five years, acting as gold-standard parents for Panganay, Ganda and Bunso.  You can’t do much better than that.  Maraming salamat and thank you, Mom and Dad. Aunt.  Tita Lily has been more than a second mother to our clan, she has been a shining example of generosity and thoughtfulness to so many other people.  To me she has been nothing short of selflessness personified, literally being there for me every time I’ve been down and out and believe me, there have been many times.  She asks only two things in return, and that is for me to be a morally upright, God-fearing person and to pick myself up everytime I fall down.  I don’t know which has been harder for me, but she has always believed in me. OVER AND BEYOND : in one of her overseas trips, she very generously let me tag along with her to New Zealand, and as you will see below, something even better followed. Brothers.  All my brothers are great guys, and I’m terribly fond of each of them, but while we were in New Zealand Donald conceived of the idea that I should try my luck there.  George, who had already settled in, warmed up to the idea and together, I’m happy to say that they are conceptually responsible for me not leaving after a two-week vacation and staying here the last five-plus years.  OVER AND BEYOND : Donald has helped me with so many things that I’ve lost count, and has been my therapist (he’s a doctor) each time I’ve effed-up big time in my personal life.  George gave me food, clothing and shelter my first year when I was looking for work in Auckland.  To both of them, as well as my other two brothers Tim and Jude, sincere and profound thanks bros.

Auckland couples.  I haven’t spoken to them much since I moved to Wellington, but two couples who gave me jobs not only did that, but gave me confidence and time to look for a more stable and long-term job.  Steve and April Dods and Efren and Butchie Pascual gave me jobs when I needed them most, and the great thing about them is they would’ve done it to anyone in need.  I last saw Kuya Efren in a Facebook pic with President Noynoy Aquino during his New Zealand trip, and I’m happy to see how well they’ve done ! Ross Colmenar.  He may not remember it anymore, or may not make too much out of it, but his job referral to me, when I was almost ready to leave New Zealand, changed the course of my life for the next five years.  A chance introduction, impromptu conversation with Ross and the effort to take down my number led to an interview, which led to a probationary job, a move to Wellington, and five years later, I’m still in that job.  I haven’t had a real opportunity to thank him, but I’m thanking him now.  Maraming salamat kapatid, your small gesture became a game-changer ! ***               ***               ***               ***               *** This list, I’m sure you’ll agree, is not exhaustive and is the start of many many more similar lists.  If ever you see any of the people mentioned here, please give them a small salute on my behalf for the difference they’ve made in many lives, I know they’ve made a massive difference in mine.  Christmas is a great time for gift-giving, but it’s great for thanks giving as well.  I hope I was able to share with you my gratitude for these (and many more) people, advance Merry Christmas friends !

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