How to Survive with a Lifesaver

CELERY

God’s Blessing

This Leung couple – my cousin, Linda, and her husband, Johnson, was one of God’s best gifts to my husband, Andy, my children, and me. We became a close foursome, with our friendship spanning about four decades. We enjoyed this deep bond with one another until Johnson’s death several years ago.

This extraordinary couple was somewhat like a “magnet” to Andy and me throughout our married lives. Wherever they resided, there we would be. We lived in the same neighborhood in the United States a street apart and later in the same street. Back in the Philippines, we joined them in the same condominium building. Even in planning for our death, Johnson invited Andy to buy columbarium niches together. But this was the hilarious part. The location of the niches was one on top of the other.

I cannot count the endless hours, moments, and times we shared singly as wives and husbands and as a couple. There was always a joke, a heartache, an idea, a hope, and a dream to be discussed. Be it the holidays, Easter or summer breaks, and milestones; we spent it together. We enjoyed concerts and plays. And of course, the quiet meals and hours of chatting about anything and everything under the sun.

A Special Couple

But what was it that made Johnson and Linda a special couple in my life? What was that particular aspect in them that left a substantial impact on me?

This couple’s home was so warm and welcoming. It was always open to family and friends, who called it “Howard Johnson’s,” after the famous inn and restaurant in the United States at the time.

Johnson and Linda were always game – fun and comfortable to be with. I believe it was their logical and pragmatic view of the world that made it easy for me and others to relate to them. Although each of us had divergent opinions and would disagree on many issues, we would always end up in a friendly and happy mood.

Unaware, I looked up to the Leung couple as my own marriage model and as a parent. Up close, I saw how, despite their imperfections, nothing was unsurmountable to them. They were the kind of people who managed to look at the brighter side of things. They were also very giving of themselves, their time, and resources. My husband and I were fortunate recipients of their unconditional love and support. Indeed, they enhanced and touched our lives as a couple.

A Deep Faith in God

Topmost is this couple’s deep faith in God. They practiced and lived it well. This was their greatest asset. I saw their spiritual growth as we became older – as individuals and as a couple. After Johnson retired from a successful business career, he told me that he thought all along he was working so hard for his family. With such honesty and humility, he said that he realized he was doing it for himself.

The sudden death of their son made this couple even more devoted and connected to God. They made sure the apartment they bought in New York was a walking distance to the church so they could attend daily Mass.

I want to leave this article with this note. My relationship with this couple encouraged and moved me to be stronger in my own faith. I learned to survive according to the Leung formula. Simple. It was learning, knowing, and experiencing life with them in God, our only LIFESAVER. It was a beautiful lifetime of mutual giving of trust, love, and respect.

Praise and thank God for Johnson and Linda!

John 13:34-35

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another.