Para Sa Aking Mga Pamangkin

Today, my second nephew had his recognition. He was his class's first honor. He was also awarded as the first in Spelling, Math, Science and General Information Quiz Bee. The feeling was more than overwhelming. It's just indescribable.  I mean, we did not expect anything from him, even though we know that he's no ordinary kid. This thing, is just a  bonus for our family.

I can still remember bringing him to school during his summer class before entering formal education. I would wait for him outside on a swing. We were very anxious because he still has a lot of difficulties in speaking that time (although up until now, his speaking is not yet perfect--he's 13). He's different. He is special. He's well-disciplined, he's very obedient, he's very friendly and always cheerful, he never speaks ill of others and is not capable of harming anyone. Now, he's in grade five, and still very innocent, is always afraid of committing mistakes and always trying to please everyone.

Four years ago, my first nephew had his elementary commencement exercise. We pushed a five hour travel to be in his grandest day. That was very special. However, unlike other kids, he did not take pride of any achievements he have had. He's very quiet. He's always very serious, not so expressive and very, very shy. He's introvert and has a very low voice. When he speaks, you can hardly hear his three-word sentences.

When he stepped up the stage to give his valedictory speech, my world stopped. With his usual quiet voice, I was all ears, to catch everything that he will be saying. His words were very plain and simple, but I guess, all of us cried. He's a boy of very few words, that's why every word that he spoke was worth the world to all of us.

I have three more pamangkins. My first niece, who's also very timid and shy, but as I gaze at her I know that one day, she will be able to get out into the world and explore it. I have seen how she dreams of doing something great when she grows up. I know that she knows their situation and I am sure that one day, she will do something to cure it. She loves singing and I hope she would be able to make full use of it to appreciate life better.

My second niece, who's the total opposite of the first, shows a lot of potentials. She's very active though sometimes moody but most of the time, happy. She's a girl of too many reasons and she can turn the world around. She's a crazy little girl! SHe loves singing and she dances like there's no tomorrow! At a very young age, she aspires a lot. I guess, she wants to grow up really fast! Wait up, girl!

Finally, the last nephew who I think is also quiet and reserved. He is still very young but in my forward thinking, I know that he will play a role that he ought to play.

I have seen full potentials from these kids. I only hope and pray for these things:

Kuya Justine,
We've been together through all these, right? I am so happy that you trusted me with your thoughts and feelings. I know that life hasn't been that easy for you. Being the eldest, I know how difficult it is to witness family failures and breaking up. I know that it is even more difficult to keep secrets to protect some people that you love the most, even if it means putting off the reality of connections and realationships. I know that you've been hanging on air, not really knowing to whom you really belong. I know you have been searching high and low for a family that you can really call your own. Forgive us for putting you in this complication. God knows how much we want to wipe away all the sorrows and the pain that your 15 years has given you. And we thank you that even thought you are in this situation, you still chose to be a good kid and did not act against our will. Kuya tine, I pray that in time, you will be able to let go of the things that are stopping you to crack your biggest smile. I pray that we will be able to pull out the big gag on your throat for you to express yourself better. I want you to know that 'WHAT YOU FEEL AND WHAT YOU THINK ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO BE HEARD'. --- YOU are IMPORTANT. Be brave enough to face the world and defend yourself if there's a need to. You are 'somebody' not just 'anybody' most especially not a nobody. Realize your dreams and make it happen. You are smart and skillful. Just be courageous enough to take on all the doors and chances. Be brave, my eldest nephew. See a bigger world. Tita is here, and we love you dearly.

Kuya Jedi,
You have grown so much. You have exceeded our expectations. You have been doing very well focusing on the things that you really want to do and enriching your mind. You have been such a disciplined and obedient kid, and for that, we feel very blessed. I admire you for your innocence and for aspiring for perfection. I know that you have come a grown up kid, and that you will never be our little boy forever. I am not worried, for I know that in the right time, you will be able to improve everything that you still need to work on. I know that you will become a matured man who will be the inspiration, the light and strength of our family. Be firm. Be strong. Have that defensive instinct, Kuya. I want you learn how to defend yourself. You are not weak. You just don't want to harm anybody, but still, it is okay to be imperfect. Be independent and strategic. I know you will be, someday. Believe in yourself and continue to be prayerful. God blesses those who are faithful to him. God can see the purity of your heart. Be happy. We love you Kuya. You are so special in our hearts. Go far and farther. God will lead you. Continue searching for answers for reasonable questions, because that made who you are. I believe in you, Kuya. You have a lot more to go. The world maybe too cruel, but I am certain that you will survive.

Ziah,
Bhe, you kicked me off with your fierce cry. You entered the world with a big bang. Since you were still in your mommy's womb, you've already been very playful. With your smile and simple banterings, I can't help but laught my heart out. You have showed intelligence, grace, talents and social competitiveness. You have made a very big impression in all of us. Your moods are supposed to irritate us, but I guess, your charm just made us laugh at it. I can see that you're brave and that you can stand up for yourself. With that, you will be able to protect people nearest to your heart. Baby, be kind to each and eveyone that you will meet. Appreciate all the goodness and neutralities of the world. Be with people and be a blessing to others, because in the end, you heart will be the be-all and -end-all of everything. The goodness of your heart will shine above all the intelligence, talents and skilld that you have. Be a sweet girl forever. We love you, Baby.

Ate Jamie,
Your silence makes me want to go deep into your thoughts. Your inner glow still shines no matter how reserved you have been. The first time I carried you in my arms, I have already come to realize how fragile and delicate you are. I pray that you will be able to step up and be relentless in grappling all the blessings of this world. Be still. I firmly believe that you will make a good woman someday. At a very young age, I can already see that you will become a very responsible to your younger brother. Love each other and be good. If time challenges you and your family, be still. God will lift you up from the mud. Be your mother's strength and your brother's protector. Aim high and believe that your dreams will come true. Change your life for the better. You are lovely, Ate Jamie. Be happy.

Yuri,
Bunso, wag masyadong seryoso. ;) Like your sister, I know that you will make a good man someday. Do not fear the hardships that might come your way. They are there to forge you into a tough and courageous young man. Love your sister and be an inspiration to your mother. Take care of your family especially your sister. Protect her with all your might, but still considering righteousness. Be self-sufficient and reach for your highest goals. Change the things that you need to change. Be a dreamer, and live it. Be bold, and live.

Find your dreams and reach for them. Be your own unique selves. Use everything that God has given you to be successful and happy and contented with your life. Go on. Our prayers and love will always be with you....

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