ERNESTO E. MAIPID, JR.
At the height of the pandemic depression, it worries us, the elderly of society, as to the kind of country we are bequeathing our young. I travel in my dreams for my grandchildren and the times they will behold, and I stop to think about what I had lived my life for.
Happily, I realize that even in the midst of all the gloomy predictions, God had made sure the small beginnings mattered. Ripples of hope in our surrounds tell us there is still something to pick-up and build with. That, if we exert greater effort at looking after one another, truly, our country can be more responsive to the challenges of the times.
I see hope when my 3-year-old grandson leads his pack in pre-school over an imagination challenge that their teacher presents them with. I see hope when my 4-year-old granddaughter sings me a beautiful song, entitled ‘One Small Voice’ reminding me that even her seemingly innocent message counts. I see hope when my 8-year-old granddaughter prays for the baby of her mom’s classmate lost in crib death. I see leadership. I see the purpose. I see compassion, in nuggets!
Beyond the home, I overhear many stories of hope, even as I catch many heroes in the act of Building the Nation. Many of them cross our paths, quiet and unsung, just doing what needs to be done, giving an extra point beyond their best, for love of country.
Consider these scenes
A community worker treks the far-flung heights of a danger zone to bring the young of the area, other options of a future, beyond rebellion and going to the mountains.
A couple with 2 kids in their grades, leave the familiarity and comforts of their home province to start life with a community of indigenous peoples.
A newly-ordained priest chooses to serve those considered the wrecks of society in prison because he believes in their inherent goodness.
A Muslim volunteer brings his Christian peers to visit his home and relations and discovers that genuine friendship transcends all barriers.
A zealous father-volunteer brings his son to play, interact, and know the poor he serves. Then, the child chooses to celebrate his birthday among them.
And then, as I find myself transported to the hallways of discussion and exchange on how society’s various sectors can respond to pressing national needs –
I hear a passionate, heartfelt discourse say, ‘Hindi natin dapat sukuan na makamit ng mahirap ang kanilang pangarap at gumaan ang kanilang pasanin!’ (We cannot give up on the poor who dream of a better future and lighten their hardships.)
I feel the compassion of a determined hunger advocate as he chides an auditorium filled to the rafters, ‘We cannot surrender our young to the onslaught of malnutrition and deprive them of a future.’
Even as I hear the whispers and see the quiet disbelief of those who excuse themselves saying, ‘Marami naman silang gumagawa, kaya na nila yan.’ Or ‘Sino ba naman ako? Ano ang kaya ko’ng ibigay diyan?’ (There are many of them, they can do it on their own. Who am I anyway? Am I capable of giving them what they need?)
And then, as a bright new day dawns –
Mothers operating a community kitchen are up in the early morning dark to start preparing a nutritious breakfast for a nearby public school’s elementary pupils.
While an enthusiastic new husband prepares for an early morning huddle with the town’s barangay leaders, even as he recalls his bedtime exchange with his partner telling him. ‘Yes, I am proud that I married a NATION-BUILDER!’
The throbbing persists in the efforts of many who serve the downtrodden, while selflessly giving, and not minding what it takes, put a smile on the faces of countless, heart-filled souls.
Dreams realized through caring and sharing. God’s loving presence felt, even as we never see Him come down from heaven! Those who simply give, because giving makes them whole and happy. They are saints who dwell in our midst!