Araw ng Kagitingan
April 09, 2007
Araw ng Kagitingan. Also the birthday of my late grandfather.
Coincidentally, he also walked the "Death March" back in WW2, fortunately, he escaped (and lived, of course, else I wouldn’t be here XD).
Happy birthday to you lolo, wherever you are. I miss you so much :’)
I was just watching the said ceremony on TV and my lolo’s comrades, those that are still alive, and I can’t help but think that in a few years, all of them will be gone. What will become of the memories that they left behind? Will the next generation not know of their sacrifice?
On another note, I was crossing the end of Mindanao Ave the other morning when I saw a grandmother crossing the opposite way. I guess it has been ingrained in my bones (or wherever) I met her halfway, went back, and helped her cross. She smiled with gratitude and grabbed my arm for support.
Now, to those who aren’t familiar with Mindanao Ave, it’s four lanes on either side road, turn right to Novaliches, turn left to Blumentritt … with lots of cars and big-assed vehicles like trucks and buses blazing from both sides.
And there I was with this tiny, shaking, grandmother sloooooooooooooowly crossing the road.
Haha, I was kind of feeling apologetic for all those people who had to stop and stare and hope that lola would just a walk a little bit faster.
Anyways, we didn’t hear any honks. Thank God Filipinos still have some respect for the elderly. We crossed the avenue in one piece and lola, out of concern, shooed me off saying "male-late ka na ineng, ok na ko" but also smiled and thanked me and went on her way.
I was really concerned for her and I kept looking back. I didn’t ride a jeepney until she was out of sight.
Yea, I got a soft spot for old people.
