Longing for love

By Eva C. Visperas

His song said what he felt. The singer, a boy, expressed how it feels living without the care of his biological parents. He belongs to a group of about 10 boys who found temporary home at The Haven, Home for Street children in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City.

As I was seated in front, I felt a pinch in my heart as the lyrics of the song penetrated my heart. Here is a boy who longs for his real parents’ love and care, who begs love from others, who wants to live a normal life.

Unknowingly, as the boy continued to sing, tears suddenly flowed down my cheeks. I tried to immediately wipe the tears but the guest speaker, Kimi Cojuangco, wife of fifth district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, noticed me. She told the crowd in her speech about what she saw. I didn’t expect that she would know me or even my name, as I haven’t interviewed her before.

Who would not feel sad seeing the plight of these young boys?

Before the program started, I tried to look around. Inside their room was a boy who was full of anger and didn’t participate in the activity. He was mad, maybe at the world, at his condition, for being abandoned.

Truth is, the occasion Monday was the first year anniversary of The Haven for Street children. This is one of the noble projects put up by the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. led by Mrs. Gina de Venecia, with the full backing from her husband, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Inscribed in the building is a dedication in memory of Ma. Kristina Casimira “KC” de Venecia, the departed daughter of the De Venecia couple.

Life in the Center, I’m sure, is not easy. Imagine a mother who is alone raising her children. Imagine a father leaving his children, not communicating with them through the years. That’s a very cruel act only a heartless father could do. I know of one.

Parents, please love your children. They are your real jewels.

I admire the people managing the Center. They are full of love, full of compassion, full of patience.

And Gina’s energy is so tireless, said Ms. Kimi who represented Manay Gina as guest speaker in the affair, assisted by Mrs. Mary Tulagan, wife of third district Rep. Gener Tulagan.

And Ms. Kimi’s message to the children?

“Don’t lose hope. Keep on dreaming. Don’t let what happened to you become your stumbling block,” she said.

Yes, life has to go on. Even in solitude, even in despair.

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/business-log/)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments