To BE Like Him!

Sometime, I read a story about a boy who, as a birthday gift, was given a pair of shoes by his brother. The boy is so happy as he proudly shows his new shoes to his friend. He said, “It costs me nothing to have those new pair of shoes. My brother gave them to me.”  He said with eyes wide with pride for his new pair of shoes. His friend humbly said in reply, “Whoaw! I wish I could…” Then the boy interrupted him. He knew at the back of his head that his friend is going to say, as commonly expected, “I wish I could also have a brother like him” who, perhaps, is willing to give a new pair of shoes on a birthday.   

But his jaw dropped in surprise when he heard his friend continued by saying: “I wish I could BE a brother like him.”

Since I read this story, it left a marked on me that made me “wish I could also BE a brother like him.” Until now, I try to, despite how wanting I am.

I try to be a brother to a sister who is ready to burst in laughter in times of joy; but would not hold back her tears, nonetheless, when the situation calls to.

I try to be a brother to a sister who asks for opinion from as simple as how to cook gulay to how to dump a boyfriend.

I try to be a brother to a sister I admired in exhibiting her strength of character but falls back on easily.

I try to be a brother to a sister who articulates her anger and frustrations like a pro, but forgive easily.

I try to be a brother to a sister who solicits my advice but decides for herself on matters of great weight.

I try to be a brother to a sister who wants to find joy and meaning of being young and a woman, but not forgetting she is a mother. 

I try to be a brother to a sister who is tough and toughen by experienced but easily melts down, like an ice cream under the sun, for her son.

I used to say “I wish I could have a brother like him.” Until I realized “I could BE a brother like him.” Since then, I try. And they said that for us, there is only a trying, the rest is not our business.

 I try to be a brother to a sister who celebrates her birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DING, Margie! Joyeux Anniversaire! Maligayang bati! Malipayong pagsaulog sa imong adlawng natawhan. May it be a happy one, and truly, a meaningful one! Maraming salamat. I love you and I am proud of you.

                                            

           -sa kanunay,

                                                         

                        Manong