EOS


Amidst all the deadlines and paperwork in front of me, I would like to take this time to let it sink into me that someone is leaving and we just had said our goodbyes. We’ve known each other only for two months but the bonds we had formed are undeniably that of a family. 

I’ve known him as the tall, thin guy with a very low and thick voice. As the coordinator, he usually is the first person you will see in the morning, writing announcements on the whiteboard, and distributing stuff, making us fall in line to ride the school service at exactly 7:30AM for us not to be late for our 8AM class. He is also a Bicolano, his family lives in Iriga City. He also graduated Summa Cum Laude.

I remember one instance, we were all so tired and drained after a day’s teaching for Summer Class in the morning and workshops in the afternoon, he was still all perky and happy that he is. He had never let our negative vibes got into him. He continued with his tasks, alert and positive at all times. The following morning, when we opened our doors, just right at the side of it, there were little cupcakes with Flat Tops and Cloud Nine chocolate bar and a little note, all personalized for the 54 fellows. How thoughtful of him to do that! From then on, I had appreciated his presence and efforts for all of us. He even have all of us in his prayer list!

He would also sit in our classes, participate in activities and just be part of it all. In one discussion, we were asked, Why Teach for the Philippines? He answered, “I applied for the children, but I stayed for the Fellows.” Soooooooo heartwarming to hear. He had always been that sunshine we all need throughout every challenging day.

Today, he is leaving to novitiate for the Jesuits. Yes, he had chosen the path to being a priest. As explained by one fellow who is an Atenean, the Jesuit training is a long process, first one has to have a degree to be accepted, then that is followed by two years of novitiate then four more years of Degree in Theology and I forgot the rest. Likely, 10 years after, she said, would be the earliest he could be ordained as a priest.

I don’t want to feel sad about him leaving us today. I should be glad because he will be working on his way to touch more lives and make a huge difference in humanity and spread the good news. He had offered his life to be of service to God. Though I cried more than a bucket of tears, while writing last night my short message for him. Then, cried another bucket an hour ago as we sing him Salamat by Yeng Constantino as our farewell tribute to him. He had been battling the tears from falling, but he failed. His tears had just started rushing down his cheeks. Tears of joy and gladness. He said, that he had never felt appreciate until today. I’m glad that we were able to let him feel that before he leaves.

He was the first one to leave a mark in all of our hearts! We will surely miss him. 

Now, let me go back to my Item Analysis, Reading Response Essay and Emotional Intelligence Worksheets. 







Comments

  1. reading this i somehow knew that he sure is a great man!
    “I applied for the children, but I stayed for the Fellows.” napaka ganda netong sinabe nyang to!
    goodbye are not endings naman and beside it's a small world after all

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    Replies
    1. Yep. We may not see each other until two years after..... And he is such a greatman. Glad that he offered his life to God, not with another woman, mas nakakapanghinayang yun...lols...

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  2. It's one of those many heart-breaking moments in life. Mahirap talaga pakawaan ang mga mabubuting tao no? Nakatuwa din siya dahil he's one of those rare people who can live for his ideals. Very inspiring. Bagay sa kanya ang maging shepherd of souls. At kung yun din ang calling sa kanya ni Lord eh wala tayong magagawa diyan. I believe his purpose in your life is already fulfilled. He needs to move on to his next assignment, to other people who needs him more.

    But don't be sad. The end of one thing is the beginning of another. Good or bad, we really don't know. Let's just leave it to the hands of God, since his plan for us is good, no, his plan is the best.

    Have a nice day and keep up the good work!

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    Replies
    1. waaaaa...naiyak na naman ako! Looking at it, yes, his mission in our lives is already fulfilled. I am more than grateful that I get the chance to meet wonderful people like him. Have a nice day too!

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  3. I do like working with people with such humble yet great personality. How many times did I cry for those who left the school? Plenty, for they were equally good and they became friends of mine. I stayed put because I am appreciated by parents and students. I will leave when another calling comes, just like your friend, I thought of being one.

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    Replies
    1. being appreciated by others is such a great feeling that no amount of money can ever suffice. It's one of those reasons why teachers stay and love what they do. It's not yet late, should you still consider being a priest, after all, when you become one, you wont deviate from being a teacher, youd still be one, with a deeper commitment and grace and passion. Youd teach not only subjects, youd teach life lessons....

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  4. naks naman si jonathan, appreciated ng parents. hihih ako hingi di LOL/wawa

    may aalis di akong kasama sa june o july. magre retire na si ma'am :( kaya makiki-damay na ko sa nararamdaman mo ngayon :))

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    Replies
    1. saktan ang parents! lol.. joke lang, for sure they appreciated you, shy type lang sila.... hehe

      relate much sir? kakalungkot talaga noh... pero ganun talaga, he is off for anotherr mission.

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  5. Huwaw magpapari sya. Nakakabilib ang mga taong ganyan. Maging masaya tayo sa kanya dahil sinunod nya ang calling nya.

    Magtapat ka kaya ng pag-ibig sa kanya baka magbago isip nya. dyuk lang. Idol sya! Man of God :D

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  6. being appreciated by others is such a great feeling! parang Oscars lang yan sa buhay:)

    Very mam Mila tlga pati sa comment reply but honestly saludo ako syo with your dcsn..ayan na iba na ang comment ko sa entry mo. hahahaha!

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    Replies
    1. big check toastbels! mam mila ta
      aga?kalerkey!haha

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  7. Bow na ako sa kanya sa iyong discripsyon. He surely is blessed. He is on for a greater calling.


    xx!

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