Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Great Miracle

Two years after I graduated in elementary another tragedy struck our lives. It was November 1987, my three months old sister Lyn was suffering from Asthma, so Mama and I had to rushed her to the hospital. That day, the weather condition was bad because of the typhoon Sisang, the sea was already wavy, the gushing wind was strong and rain was pouring heavily.

That night, the worst nightmare happened. The roofs of the hospital was tearing apart, the glass on the window were breaking, thunder and lightning was terrifying. We had to transfer from one room to another, it was horrible. After the storm we've learned that we lost everything back home, our house was wiped away by a tidal wave. But we're still thankful that all of us are alive.

Papa said that they had a horrifying night too, the four of them (my 2 brothers and a sister and him)we're not able to evacuate soon so when the tidal wave came they held hand in hand just to escape the powerful water. He said that he thought that was it for all of them. But God is so great, they managed to hold on to a tree and stayed there for hours and hours until the typhoon was over. What a tragedy and yet a miracle! We lost everything, the only thing we had were the clothes on our body.

We started anew, Papa built us a shanty to live in for a while out of the woods and stuff we found at the seashore. We don't have food to eat, the local government gave us ration of rice but it was limited. Not enough for a big family so Mama had to cook it with lots of water (we called it lugaw) to make it plenty enough to feed us all. Eight months had passed and it was enrollment time. I asked my parents if i can enroll to high school but they hesitated due to the fact that we don't have stable income that will support my studies. So I said, OK.. But without my parents knowledge I sneaked out and enrolled myself.

When Mama sent me in town for some errands, I went with my friends who enrolled in a comprehensive high school but I didn't enroll there because I can't afford to pay the miscellaneous fees. So I went with my other friend to another school which is a vocational one, this school was just beginning their operation so the fees are minimal. I think I only paid 10 pesos. So I got enrolled, I was worried in telling my parents. How can I afford to buy my school things, my uniform,the rent for the boarding house and my food?

Whew, it was so tough but I can assure you that God always watches over and take care of us all the time. My friend whom I went to enroll was the answer to all my questions. She told me that her half sister who lives nearby the school was needing a housemaid. So I asked my friend if she can introduce me to her sister and tell her my situation. Luckily she agreed to pay for my stuff in exchange with my services to them. When I told my parents about it they're happy though still worried but I assured them that I will take care of my needs.

On my Sophomore year I met this teacher from Legazpi City (Mrs. Arizala - thanks Madam!), she was newly transferred to our school and she asked me if i would be willing to live in a boarding house where she lives. I took the opportunity because she and her daughter were the only ones I would have to serve compared to the big family i was living with. But she had to transfer to another school again at the end of my junior year, so i was in a big dilemma again.

Our Supply Officer Mrs. Venus, offered a lending hands to help me finish my schooling (I thank God so much!). My entire high school days was spent with just going to school and work. I was so determined for my goal that I set aside most of my teenager life. On weekends that I don't have school, I always look for a day work or two just to earn some money for my projects. Its either doing someone else's laundry or pulling off weeds on a rice field.

During summer vacations, I go to Ligao Albay and have seasonal jobs like planting rice and picking tomatoes or beans. Before summer ends, I already bought not only my school things but also my sibling's school supplies. I wasn't born smart but I think because of my perseverance and hard work, I graduated with honors. I thank God for all the blessings He had given me especially the people who helped me, the people who don't believe in me - saying that I won't achieve anything because my school wasn't a popular one, and my parents who stood by me and supported my dreams.

34 travelers' comments:

Anonymous said...

am so happy for you sis for the achievement in life...god is always good..though it is hard for you to go to school, god gave you some people to help you in your studies..he gave you the courage to continue dreaming...

so good luck, more blessings to come...

katherine said...

oh life na nakakaiyak..waaa..hindi tayo mag kakalayo ng life Rose. Ang naiba lang very supportive ang parents mo while sa akin ay walang pakialam pero kasi parents sila, so okay na lang. naka tapos ako ng hanggang college na wala silang nagagastos kahit isang kusing o singkong duling. katulad mo rin, katulong din ako ng mga tiyahin ko para makapag-aral ng high school. pag college ko, working student din ako, lahat ng work sa quaipo or recto ay pinasukan para lang maka pasok ako sa UE. sa awa ng diyos, naka tapos nga ako. so determination lang talga ang kailangan at hindi excuse ang kahirapan kung may gustong aabutin.

lolit said...

naku sis! alam na alam ko yan kasi nung college ako nagpunta kami sa Bulan, Sorsogon, nagbigay kami ng relief goods sa mga kababayan natin dun,alam mo, naiyak ako sa nakita ko, kasi ang tubig pala dun kasing taas ng puno niyog. ang daming namatay at lahat ng mga ari arian ng mga tao inanod lahat.Walang wala ang mga tao as in WALA talaga. Yun ang moments na hindi ko malilimutan kahit kailan.
La lang sis, naishare ko lang din syo ito, kasi sa mga narasan nyo nung time na un,bigla nag flashback ang memory na un.

lolit said...

ay oo nga pala, sa kabuuan ng story mo pareho din tayo, working student din ako nung college,Sta.Isabel College, Mla.

i agree, hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para maabot ang mga pangarap.

A.Marie said...

What a terrific post! You are a very special person, Rose, and I am glad that I am getting to know you through Bloggy Land!

"For God Shall Supply All Your Needs...."

I read that in the bible, but cannot think of the exact chapter!

rjs mama said...

your story is very inspiring. i'm from albay also. i was there over the weekend, very humid duman because of the heat coming from mayon volcano

Margaret Cloud said...

This is a very touching story, you have good character and are very determined. You are going to succeed in what ever you do, I am proud to know you, thank you for coming by and commenting, good luck and God bless you, have a great week.

Lulu said...

Your story is a good inspiration to others who are struggling... Like you I have my shares of struggles pero hindi naman kasing hirap ng naranasan mo....

BTW, my sister in law is from Sorsogon.

Unknown said...

Tsang Im so touched with your story and experiences in life. Grabe ang mga test sa buhay ninyo ano. Bili ako sa detirmination mo tsang, you never gave up despite of all the trials, obstacles you've been though. Ang tough mo naman tsang. Talagang makabagbag damdamin story mo tsang pang maalaala mo kaya. I totally agree with you, God really watches us all the time, kahit isipin natin where to get food kasi walang wala, God will provide. I never thought you experienced all that tsang. When I was teaching I encountered that type of kids back in mountain school, although they want to finish school, but they decided to get married once they found the guy to marry, where us in your part you really finds way to finish school. Swerti Mama at Papa mo sayo, now you are still helping them. Ang swerti din ni John sayo you things about life coz you've been there. I love this story sana marami makabasa to inspire other people. Mabuhay ka bakla saludo ako sayo.

Jun said...

Most of us Filipinos share almost the same story. I have also experienced real harship in my youth but I thank God because He has provided all our needs.

Peace!

Clarissa said...

People have ups and downs in life at mabuti na lang at merong tao na kahit papaano ay natulungan ka to pursue your dream.And for those who didn't believe sa kakayahan mo,it's their loss.Look at you now!!!^_^

Dhemz said...

oh my gosh sis...this is very inspiring....I can't imagine myself doing all that stuff...God is really good...all your hard works got paid off....:)the good thing is kahit san ka nakatungtong ngayon you still the same person na down to earth...unlike other people...guminhawa lang umasta parang kung sino...you know what I mean.....thanks for sharing sis....:)

eden said...

Hi Rose, you are a great inspiration to everyone. you are so determined and a responsible person that's why you succeed in all your undertakings.Plus all the perseverance and the hard works you all had done. God bless you always and more blessings to come for you and your family.

Cens World said...

Hello Rose, your determination and perseverance worked well for you. Life is really full of challenges. You are one hell of a fighter and you won your battles, with flying colors. Women like you deserves utmost admiration.

Thanks for visiting my blog and regards to every one.

JP said...

Rose, I appreciate your efforts and you are the real inspiration for those struggling and wish to come up in life.

iceah said...

wow! It's my 1st time dito c: am glad to have passed by c: I'll add this to my new blog too c:

Oman said...

i know, it's an old cliche but what doesn't kill us will only make us stronger. everyday is a trial that we must hurdle. just hold on. GOD GUIDES!

Hazel said...

You know what I like about all this, Rose? -- your frankness and honesty about your experience. I worked as a student too but it could hardly pass as anything to be proud of - I was piano accompanist for voice students for 1 summer to pay for my whole term tuition which I squandered in one night.

Yes, I salute working students!

Sherri Murphy said...

You've experienced many things none will ever be asked to experience but sounds as if you have turned those experiences into beutiful life lessons that have made you stronger!

You are one special lady!

Dhemz said...

korek ka talaga sis...kung iisipin...the story is more than na pang maalaala eh....this is a great story...you should make a book...ako una mong customer....hehehe!

Meryl (proud pinay) said...

hello sister. hanga ako sa pagiging matiaabilidad mo sa buhay. isa kang huwaran para sa mga taong nawawalan ng pag asa sa buhay. naniniwala ako na habang may buhay may pag-asawa...kung maniniwala lang sa sariling kakayahan....

Anonymous said...

You are an amazing soul! I consider it a privilege just to have read your stories!

Pau-pau said...

Sis, your story is very inspiring. I'm very inspired by your story. Yup sis lapit na alis ko, sana may chance pa rin makapagblog. Pero basta I would always drop by sa mga blogs mo and say Hi! Regards to your 2 kids and to your hubby! Take care always!

PropellerHeadMom said...

I love your blog! You are a great inspiration to us all! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

nuts said...

wow,!!! i read it from top at nakaka-bilib ang pinagdaanan mo. you deserved all your achievements in your life now.. very inspiring story.

Mommy Liz said...

You are right Rose, God is good. He never sleeps and He always knows when we need Him. Some of us here in Blogworld came from less fortunate family and I am one of those. I am so thankful that my life now is different, yours is different, and the others are also different, a lot better that it used to. And I can see that none of us is arrogant enough to forget where we came from. Whatever we have now, whoever we are, let's look back and always remember our hardship and difficulties, remember our families, our places and then we can tell ourselves, "I am glad I know how it feels to be less fortunate, for now, I can go through everything and I will be alright."

Thanks for visiting my site. Have fun and God Bless...

Chubskulit Rose said...

Thanks to all of you for sharing your personal feelings about my story!

pdkamath said...

Hi sister, Visiting your site is an amazing experience and I enjoyed looking at all those beautiful snaps of your kids. A family blog cannot be any better than this. I appreciate your style of posting and I am proud to be a follower of your blog. I think God has blessed you with two precious gifts and it is your greatness that you are sharing your happiness with all of us.I pray God almighty to shower many more blessings on your family. Take care and thanks for visiting my site.

Unknown said...

ano ba ito??? everytime i read your story, i cry! waaaaaaaaaaa

gosh, and i thought my life was hard! but you're blessed, Rose...you have kind people in your life when you needed help.

Lady Patchy said...

ang ganda naman ng story mo mispiring talaga

charmie said...

I was so touched with your story sis.. medyo pares pares din tayo ng pinagdaanan! Courage , perseverance, hardwork and faith with GOD is a strong weapon why people succeed in life despite of the hardships. Gosh, I can really relate of your stories! I know you more.. I'm glad you found the happiness of your life, your family..Thanks for posting..

Mine is coming hehehe.. Tinamad nakalimotan ko tuloy.!

Mel_Cole said...

hi Rose, grabeh, naiyak ako tuloy sa pag-basa nang life story mo. You had a terrifying life during the typhoon Sisang. I imagine how horrible it was during that time. The past life of yours will surely be a history that reminds other people that life is not easy. Your life will serve as my inspiration too. Nakatapos ka rin at may medals pa, thank God for that big achievements you got. Sis, I told my hubby about your invitation for your daughter's birthday, July 3 is also my hubby's high school reunion. Gusto ko sana makita ka ang your family but may hubby has his other sched. Siguro sa susunod na occasions, in God's timing, magka-kitakits soon.

Azumi's Mom ★ said...

How could I missed this post. Thanks for relinking it. Ang ganda talaga ng storya ng buhay mo, napaka-colorful kahit na nuon panahon na yun, parang napaka-hirap. Very inspirational talaga, parang ang story ni Mommy Liz. Kaya naman you deserve all the things who you have now, good family and loyal friends. I really hope na mabasa ng mga burritos mo ito someday. Thanks for sharing your life to us. Kailan nga pala exact bday ni Rylie?

CAcai M. said...

huhuhu... kakaiyak ito mommy Rose.. me too I had/have my share of struggles but mostly in my younger years.. napaka-inspiring nostalgia ha.. and I can see determination and hard work makes a person smart, and that's you! Bow ako sa 'yo mommy Rose.. muahhh!

Oizzt mamaya na pala nostalgia ko.. sneaking lang muna.. hehe.. at visit mo din ako ha(if you have time)? ;-)

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