An experience that helped me grow

We feel so human and in love, when we share memorable experiences.

For me, a very memorable experience was when I lost my father. He was around 15 and 16 years old. He was murdered. And with all the stories the witnesses told the court and the family, I could imagine my father lying on the ground with blood splatters and screaming for help. We were not special. We were ordinary people holding positions at work, doing our duty, serving. My father worked for the tax office (Bureau of Internal Revenue).

That day, my dad died, I felt that I had totally grown up. I wanted to imagine myself inside me at 80 or 90 years old because I couldn’t scream “Daddy!” And no creature would be there, answering me “Yeah, what do you want?” And so, there goes the audacity within my heart that depended only on a God, that I could not see. So I thought that God came down for me, to physically be my father.

The situation was hard for the family, for my young mother (common teacher), and for my little brothers. But of course, Jesus was so kind that he took care of us while we were growing up. And that I believed and would not be ashamed to tell everyone God helps the poor. The “poor” literally and metaphorically, including the “poor/humble” at heart (yet rich in material possessions), and especially those who call it out and respect others as well.

Growing up, I was able to get stronger because I depended only on God. This, and more the help of many good people around. I don’t know how I got to be the way I am now, but the seasons of time bled for me, I grew as steady as a tiger would fight, and as swift and gentle as a bird would glide. To all those I met, I considered respectful holding on to God, that I would not be selling any right principles for gold, that I would forgive because I am imperfect, that I would hold on to loyalty and truth, as long as I can.

We were full of life, and I have learned what lessons to defend to inspire others. I have pondered those good examples, others had taught me and shared them. The world will not stop at crushing experiences, but will become more beautiful with the good workers who push the sun and stars, who take steps and turn like the planets, who act and show us that we are all special. The meaning of love will teach us how to grow strong, yet humble.

When my dad died, more depended on God, and I saw some people and events, they were so beautiful! Maybe that’s how my dad liked it. That’s how God liked it.