.samutsari.

Maybe some people are really meant to cross your life only once. You spend a short time with them, and then that's it. And all that's left with you are the memories of all the good times you've shared with them. Purely good. And you keep them alive in your heart, while at the back of your mind, there is always that painful possibility of never seeing them again.

That's Tita Mayet for us. And the entire Kuhonta family.

I will never forget you. Thank you for accepting us so warmly in your family. We love you... and we will always miss you.

************************

My Community Medicine rotation was over too soon. Now that I have already had my first day in OB-GYN, my 6 weeks in San Juan, Batangas now feels so much like a dream.

Cliche as it may seem, I learned so much in the past weeks. But it's not your typical, community-related learnings.

1. Every person has a story to tell. All he needs is someone who will listen.
2. Things become special when people believe they are special.
3. Nothing cheers up a home better than genuine laughter.
4. Kids will always be kids. The best we can do is let them be.
5. Let ourselves be kids too.
6. You don't have to have the answer to everything.
7. You just may have the answer to something.
8. Leaders come in different sizes, shapes and styles. Good perception sees the leader even in the quietest person.
9. One man's problem is everyone else's project.
10. A little love goes a long way.

These are just off the top of my head. My head (and my heart for that matter) is filled with so many memories of San Juan that I am too overwhelmed to put everything into words at present.

I am a simple person with simple pleasures. I love the simple life. I can live like this forever.

*************************

Today was my first day in OB-GYN. Once again, the familiar faces and places in the Department was thrown in my face with abrupt intensity. There, again hanging thick in the air, is the recurrent feeling of tension and nervousness that comes with every duty, every conference, and such like.

But I can do this. All by the grace of God. No need to fear.

************************

There is something weird in the air. I can't put a finger to it... But I think I need time to sort a few things out within myself. I have been feeling things I know I shouldn't feel and don't want to feel.. and I need to relearn how to control my emotions.

Thank You Lord for the wisdom.

************************

I wanted this to be a good entry... but it's not even halfway that. Oh well, maybe next time.

Love you Dear. Miss you much. MOA. Sorry I make it so hard for you sometimes. :)

.dear friend.

Dear Friend,

It's been quite a while since we last spoke. Some things have changed since, I'm sure. I've changed. And I know you can attest for yourself that you have changed, too. That's something we can never stop from happening. But I believe that all these changes can only serve to make us better people, and even better friends.

It has taken me quite some time to get used to the fact that we are no longer together as much as we used to be. I've become used to being around you for so long that I had to get over quite a shock when it suddenly dawned on me that it's not like that anymore. You were practically my best friend. I don't know if I were ever that way to you, but yes, you were my best friend. I've shared so much of my life with you, and I hope that what you shared with me was also your way of making me a part of your life.

It saddens me to think that it may never be that way again... and so up to now, I refuse to accept that our friendship will have that tragic fate. Though we may be apart for now, I know that kindred spirits like us will never be separated for long. I look forward to the next moments that we get to spend together, like we used to.

I would like to think that I have grown up a lot. You would be proud of me, you know. There are so many aspects of life that I am just merely beginning to discover, and I am excited to find out more and more. My dreams are slowly but surely beginning to take shape, and somehow, I am starting to look forward to the glorious future that I am sure is in store for me. I am no longer scared of what lies ahead.. why should I be? It can only be great, after all. Why am I saying this to you? Because I just wanted to let you know that you have made a great contribution to the kind of person I have turned out to be.

As you enter into a new stage of life, I want you to know that I will always share in your joy. I know that you have been created to excel; the years I've witnessed of your life has left no room in my mind for doubting that. I'm sure that this point in your life will be no different. Like all the other journeys you've made and all the other battles you've won, I am certain that you will cruise through this new "endeavor" with much grace, faith, and love. Because that's who you are. That's who God created you to be.

You may not see me as often, and I may not always be present when the important milestones of your life occur... but know that I am just around. No matter what happens, no matter where life takes me, I'll always be your friend. That is a promise I intend to keep.

I miss you friend. I'll be watching you soar.

****************************************

.I Am.

I love this song... I got this from my blockmate Joyce on one of our "doing-nothing-but-talking" nights in San Juan, Batangas.

Here's "I Am" by Nichole Nordeman.

************************************

Pencil marks on a wall
I wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
You watched when my bicycle went down again

And when I was weak unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said “Elbow healer, Superhero,come if You can”
And You said “I am”

Only 16, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at ten PM
You saw my mistakes
You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I’d never love again

When I was weak, unable to speak
Still I could call You by name
And I said “Heartache Healer, Secret-keeper, be my Best Friend”
And You said “I am”

You saw me wear white
By pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream
With kids that can scream too much it might seem when it’s two AM

When I am weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker, hold on to my hand”
And You say “I am.”

The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
so we find a foothold that’s familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
Life had begun
I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
Who can say when
But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak,
Still I will call You by name
“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,Lord and King, Beginning and the End, I am, yes, I am.”


********************************

I love you Dear. Missing you terribly. :)