Sunday, October 01, 2006
Lives in Transition
There is something about fall that brings out all sorts of emotions in me. One minute I am walking under the rain feeling reflective and melacholic, the next minute I am giddy over the sight of red and yellow leaves falling all over. :) If you think about it, what makes fall seem so complicated is not because of the rain, the slush and the wind -- it is because fall is in-between between summer and winter. In fact, fall is an experience of transition.
Anybody who has been in any form of transition knows how much emotional fusion one experiences during this moment. These moments can be as simple as deciding whether you should dye your hair blonde to whether you value having a kid more than a high-flying career. In any case, being in transition is a an extremely soul-grinding experience.
There were many points in my life when I was in transition. Of course, there were the obvious ones like adjusting my life from Manila to Helsinki or the changes in jobs. However, the experiences that were more powerful were the ones were I silently had to figure out things about myself and my life.
One person who has seen me through many of these personal transition was my cousin, Ricci.
Tita Cora, Ana and Ricci back in 2005
Ricci has always been one of my cousins with whom I was closest to. She spent many summers in our place and even spent a year or two living with us while she was in high school. During those summers she made me laugh and made me cry. One time, when I was around 6 or 7, I was inconsolable because they convinced me that I was adopted and will be given away soon. Of course, they got the scolding after that. :)
However, the more powereful memories I have of her was when I was in college. Back then, I was a bit lost and a bit found. As in any situation where one is lost, you never really get settled until you are at your destination.
In between my getting lost and found, she was one of the people who provided me with a sense of permanence. I don't really know how. Maybe it was because she was my sounding board or maybe because she was just encouraging no matter what or maybe because she was always available whenever I had the urge to watch a movie or something. In any case, she provided me with what I needed at that time -- a person who might have not gotten me but was patient enough to try. Hehe. :)
Ricci's patience and willingness to understand stems from her curiosity about life and about people. Often, she notices the good in and imbibes some of the good points for herself. It would have been easier for her to concentrate on people's flaws but she rarely does. It's no wonder that so many people seek for her company and friendship.
Currently, she is also in transition. Though I am not completely aware of how the process has been for her, I am confident that she will have that great "Aha! Moment" soon. All she needs to do is find what she is good at as easily as she finds the good in others. :) I am sure that when she begins that process, she will realize that she is a much better person than she thinks. :)
To Ricci, thank you for all the fun times together: the badminton games, the movies, the sleepovers, the communte from whereever to your place, UAAP games, the Megamall bazaar, everything! I sincerely believe that you will find your proper place very, very soon. Good luck and wishing you all the best. :)
---
I have thought of a few beneficiaries for the potential revenue of the ads. :) Suggestions are still welcome though. I will feature the recipients here every time a donation is given. :)
2 comments:
Erica! Hello - I remember you too :) I think our table was a bit too crazy about getting the most DHL balloons (including me!) How have you been?
Thank you too, Erica Santos ;p I'll never forget the Hey, Arnold! recommendation (among the other MORE important lessons I learned from you as well).
Take care of yourself always. And even if it's not that blatantly obvious, people on this side of the planet miss you too.
üüü
Post a comment »