440 + dead people, 140 + still missing.

december 16, 2011 made a mark in my life. i can still remember the heavy rain pouring right outside my window. it is the night when i decided to stay and take a rest after a long day shopping with my mom. when me and my dorm mates have no idea what was happening outside since we were having a great time inside our own room. and i can still remember how our laughs echo in the darkness against the roaring winds and loud droplets of rain right outside our window. 

i woke up around 3 am, and the first thing i did is read the new messages in my inbox. i was shock with what my friends sent me, asking me if i’m alright. but the message that struck me most was from one of my girlfriends, naz, who sent me a gm telling how the flood struck her family. 

i then had a thought about my mom, who went home all by herself that night, against the heavy rain and strong winds. i got worried, i felt the cold breeze behind my neck and i immediately texted her, gave her a call. as i hear her voice, i felt relieved and i can’t explain how happy am i to know she’s okay.

i walked outside, on my way to the church to attend the mass. the streets were filled with dirt, remains of the flood can still be seen. it was like walking in the streets of the game i used to play, resident evil. the deafening sound of silence made me wonder what really happened that night.

i was curious, right before i saw the scene at the rotunda on my way to SM. families scattered beside the streets, one guy was carrying the dead body of his daughter, a mother calming her children, houses from different places gathered in one place, children covered in dirt without slippers, many was still on shock, tears we’re falling, lives are taken away.

i was speechless, somehow thankful because my family was okay, but in despair of what i saw with those affected by the calamity. it makes us question the Lord “why?”. but right now, all we can do is pray. to choose between being in despair and being hopeful. between death and living. stopping and moving on.

everyone felt the rage of the typhoon sendong. God has plans, let’s not stop because of this, instead let’s be hopeful and help each other recover. God is everywhere, God has open arms, God listens, a small prayer can make a difference.  

Posted on December 18th at 3:51 AM
Tagged as: calamity. death toll. december 16. sendong. typhoon. CDO. thoughts.

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5. imbakristal said: Amen to you sis. Kawawa tlga sila, buti na lang you’re okay.
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