What would you feel if you lost a part of your body in a snap? What if you found yourself inside a dark labyrinth and at loggerheads of emotions to find the right way to get out? What if you foresee that your tomorrows are as opaque as the rotten old wood at your backyard? People sometimes experience events that could be tragic as what you have never imagined.
Her eyes swelled with tears. She couldn’t even move. As far as she remembered something was thrown near her feet and suddenly exploded with immeasurable intensity. She looked at herself helplessly where people around her scream and squall for help and urgency. She couldn’t move; not even a small gait. She prayed. She hoped someone from the cloudy area would give her a hand and save her from agonizing. She suddenly had a vision in which she entered a courtroom on a wheelchair, still doing what she loves but with just some major changes. She thought about her boyfriend, her family, her dreams, her future. A whirlwind of emotions run through her veins. She thought it could be her last remaining hours. She told me if the rescue got delayed for about five minutes, she wouldn’t be able to survive.
It was indeed an unforgettable moment for her but it was also a starting point to move forward and leave all the remnants of despair and despondency.
I waited for her outside their house in San Juan. I felt a bit excited to finally meet Raissa Laurel, the 2nd year Law student from San Sebastian College, who lost both her feet on September 26, 2010 where 47 got injured after a bomb exploded in front of a fast-food chain during the last day of 2010 Bar Exams at De La Salle University. I used to see her on TV; a truly Joan of Arc in her existence who proved to be a victim-slash-hero. But she didn’t get the popularity from a reality TV show but from a tragic reality normal people wouldn’t imagine for themselves. She went outside the house and greeted me with her unfading smile. Raine, her boyfriend, carried her all the way to our service vehicle. While on the road, she narrated me the real experience of being “there.” I knew it was kinda awful for her to remember the scenario and tell it to me probably for a hundred times already but I didn’t see any disappointment and wretchedness from her. She was even smiling while telling me the whole story. One thing’s for sure, she has gotten over it already. We also attend the same church which gave me the definite idea of how she grew strong and faithful to God Almighty despite the unanticipated predicament. Well, that’s what matters most. God is our ultimate source of strength and gives us security in times of trouble and inconsistencies in our lives.
We arrived at TV5 and went straight ahead to our radio booth. She was interviewed by Chinkee Tan, one of our radio anchors and also one of our acclaimed pastors at Victory Christian Fellowship. Raine also confessed his unconditional love towards Raissa. He remains as her best friend, prince, well-wisher and protector. Their love story really serves as an eternal example of what couples should be. I’ve learned so much from them.
(from left) Chinkee Tan, Raissa Laurel, Cristina Lazo, Cherry Bayle and me
You can’t stop bad things happening and sometimes it’s really hard to deal with those stabbing situations. Challenges always come and it’s absolutely a matter of facing and surviving it. Storms, disasters, bloody encounters or even the smallest conflict and unlikable circumstances with a friend or a family member can be the root of hating our dear Savior Jesus Christ. People tend to blame God for the sufferings and trials and would ask HIM “of all people… why me?” But when blessings pour unto us, do we ask the same question? Every day is a battle of swords and chariots. We cannot control the situation but we can hold sway over our fate. We may be wounded and sometimes we get lost track of our emotions but by abiding the Scripture, we can surmount huge tidal waves and other disasters extraordinaire.
Raissa and Raine are both role models of courage, unconditional love, optimism and faithfulness to the Lord God Almighty.
(from left) Raine, Chinkee Tan, Raissa Laurel, Cristina Lazo, Cherry Bayle and me
After the live interview, I accompanied them to our service vehicle. Raissa was also scheduled to report for a civil organization where she was elected as the president. She invited me to attend a special event of our church where she’ll have a major part. At least, we’re gonna meet each other again.
May we all learn to move on and find the real purpose of having a second life, a second chance and a second opportunity to show how truly blessed and “among the angels” we are.
Shelf Esteem 