SHE SLEEPS WITH HER FRIEND’S XMAS TEDDY

Should have been posted: December 2010

Eleven fifty-nine, a minute more and it will be midnight. I was still on the dining area and was looking for something to eat on the kitchen. I came across the open room of our new family member “Petpet”. Her real name’s Gerlyn and she’s a distant relative in our province. She’s living with us now for about 4 years. She can be called a helper but heartedly accepted as a family member. My parents treat no one like that, my father even call Petpet as “anak”. It reflects his personality, full of humility and big open arms for the needy.

She was asleep with a teddy bear on her slightly curled arms while her back is half flatted on the bed mattress, with closed eyes and while silently breathing, she reflects a tired one after a long day. The ‘teddy” is a gift from her college buddy, a Christmas gift that somehow made her heart a little bit more warmer. It reminded me of the sacrifices that the girl on bed had exchanged for her future. Comforting herself with a gift... somehow, I understand that it represents the people she has been longing to be with, her family. Not to her attention, but it really makes sense to think it that way. She had chosen to be with us and helped my mom doing the household chores. What about her “nanay”? Isn’t she also needs assistance at home? I am thankful that she came in and helped us with things, lots of things...big things!

How about this? How will you feel if you’re e away from your loved ones and spending time with people you need to deal, understand, get to know and share the same roof with? It is and might be so difficult for her to handle the problems.

My father is so good that he decided to send Petpet to school. Pet went to college and became an HRS graduate. Until now, she’s with us and waiting for the right time to grab an opportunity to work abroad. She is determined to help her family someday. I just hope that her dreams do come true and I promise to myself that I won’t say no for a genuine person like her for a help.

~fin~