05/05/2023
Credits to : Mark Franciso Dela Cruz
Naniniwala ka ba sa nagparamdam o dumalaw?
It was a beautiful morning on May 03, 2023, and I was on my way to school riding a passenger jeep from Sta. Maria to Sampol. As I settled near the entrance of the jeep, an old passenger was struggling to climb up, so I helped him and offered my seat. As he sat down, he immediately grabbed something inside his grocery bag and offered me an RBM Bernas Pancake as a thank you for helping him. He then gave some more snacks to the three high school students in front of us and also gave me and three others some grapes and ampaw or pop rice.
As we ate the snacks, the old man, whom we called "Tatay," began to share his life stories. Tatay's name is Reymundo, and he mentioned that he is 79 years old. He had gone to Sta. Maria to pay his electricity bill and was on his way back home near Catmon. He shared that he lost his son and wife to illness, but despite his losses, Tatay remained energetic, lively, and strong for his age. Back on the old days, tatay used to be a jeepney driver. He told us that he doesn't have any job anymore, his alone to his place but sometimes his grandchildren are visiting him. He told us as well he managed to have a money for his expenses from his pension.
Tatay said that every time he commuted, he just wanted to talk to strangers who were willing to listen to his stories. He kept saying, "Pasensya na mga anak ah, traffic naman alam niyo naman kapag matanda na gusto may kausap," which left me in tears. He showed us pictures on his old model Android cellphone of his late son and grandchildren. As we continued to chat, he showed us photos of different people who had listened to his stories whenever he went outside. He proudly displayed pictures of a nurse student, a woman who helped him register his SIM card, and many selfies with random people whom he had small interactions with, he said, he always asking for permission first before taking the pictures.
After the three students reached their destination, Tatay and I were the only ones left in the jeepney, and we continued chatting. He asked me about my life and aspirations, and he hugged me like a proud father when I told him that I'm a second-year student (currently 2nd year college BSED major in English) who dreams of becoming a teacher. He was impressed by the way I spoke, and he showered me with compliments and wisdom. He said, "Alagaan mo kalusugan mo para kagaya ko malakas ka, kapag mag-aasawa ka sa hinaharap dapat dalawa o tatlo ang magiging anak mo hindi tulad ko isa lang nawala pa ng maaga, malungkot ang buhay anak kaya dapat lagi ka masaya lagi magpasalamat sa Diyos kase binigyan ka ng pagkakataon para mabuhay ngayon at bukas."
My father passed away in September last year, and every time I remember him, I still get emotional. Tatay reminded me so much of my father, the way he delivered his words, paused, talked, laughed so loudly, and joked. It felt like my father was there with me, comforting me through Tatay's presence.
As our conversation continued, I realized that Tatay's stories and insights were not just for entertainment or passing time. He genuinely wanted to connect with people and share his experiences to give advice and guidance. I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to meet him and hear his stories.
Tatay's words about taking care of our health and having a positive outlook on life struck a chord in me. It reminded me to be grateful for what I have and to always strive to be a better version of myself. His story about his son and wife also reminded me of the importance of cherishing the people we have in our lives and to make the most of the time we have with them.
As I arrived at my destination and bid farewell to Tatay, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and inspiration. Meeting him was not just a chance encounter, but a reminder of the beauty of human connection and the wisdom that comes with age and experience.
Ps: Upon reading the comment section. Please allow me to clarify something regarding my post written in the English language. As a second-year college student pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education with English as my major, I am currently striving to improve my English language skills. Therefore, I posted in English in the hopes of further enhancing my proficiency in the language. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you poā„ļø
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self
