Punchline
The chosen blessed few
By Ermin Garcia Jr.
The past week was both a depressing and an exhilarating period for me. It was not only about Tita Cory’s demise but of good friends as well. I truly felt sad for their families because of their loss, but at the same time felt sincerely happy for them because their lost loved-ones had a chance to make amends and to prepare themselves to meet their Maker. It’s a mixed feeling I reserve for families whose member died because of cancer or of an illness that has no immediate cure, or owing to frail health caused by old age beyond 75.
I have always believed that the truly chosen few on earth blest by God are those who are given time and the privilege to get a hint on when their life on earth will come to an end. This may sound insensitive and unfeeling but what greater gift can one have when one is told he or she has a 100% chance to enjoy everlasting peace with the Lord? It beats having a lifetime guarantee on earth that your house and cars will forever be brand new, but even that can never happen, not ever!
I believe that both Tita Cory and Dagupeno George “Utol” Castillo, who both succumbed to their respective cancer, and, yes, Atchi Celing Goyena for her failed health at age 82, are now reaping the fruits of their earthly pain and sufferings. They had time to make amends with people they’ve caused hurt, to strengthen their faith, to prepare their relatives for the inevitable, to cleanse themselves spiritually for the coveted eternal bliss.
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Everyone has read and heard accounts of Tita Cory’s last months and days. Her statement to her spiritual adviser: “Being alive today is already a bonus,” spoke of her acceptance of her fate and her readiness to depart for her next journey. No one can say he or she is ready to die if the essentials have not been taken cared of, and Tita Cory did just that. She made amends and among these was her public apology to Erap and she asked for his forgiveness for her active part in ousting him wrongly. Setting aside the painful loss of her presence, her children found comfort and solace in the reunification of their parents in heaven.
“Utol” Castillo having been told of his condition early enough, consciously took time to visit his children abroad for a long overdue and last bonding. His new spiritual life dumbfounded many including his family. On his last days, he had a chance to tell Betha Fe, his ever-patient and loving wife, that he was ready to go, and not to grieve. So when “Utol” laid in state, Betha Fe and the children showed no real pain and instead signs of being comforted and consoled knowing “Utol” was more than ready to meet his Creator.
Atchi Celing, the widow of Kuya Pilo Goyena, lived through two decades feeling alone without him. She spent most of her remaining twilight years quietly caring for and raising her grandson Ranath, and eventually her great grand child, as she looked forward each day to be reunited with the love of her life in the Lord’s company. Her family and close friends are greatly consoled that she finally got her wish.
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STUPID ACT OF LEGISLATION. The provincial board never ceases to amaze me, and yes, at times, totally disappoint me and the rest of hopeful Pangasinenses.
It’s latest passage of a resolution adopting DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno as the latest adopted son of Pangasinan takes the cake. Like a thief in the night, it convened to pass the resolution in an executive session, meaning out of the public’s hearing distance. According to the resolution’s principal author, Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, presiding officer of the provincial board, it was unanimously approved by the board. What a lie that was – a number of board members actually objected to it!
Then she shamelessly heralded that Sec. Puno’s adoption was prompted by the latter’s performance in office and because he is due to visit the province. Duh? What a very profound, perceptive and incisive conclusion to justify the undeserved accolade. Mrs. Agabas and her ilk would have been more forthright if they said Sec. Puno will be good for the country as vice president ergo we should make him an adopted son before somebody beats us to it. No more pretenses because that was what it was all about — a patently bootlicking measure only by incorrigible trapos.
Thank the heavens for the likes of Alfie Bince, Alice Pulido and Angel Baniqued they still have the decency to call a space a spade. They are the board’s redeeming voice in this board’s latest embarrassing and certainly stupid act of legislation by people we call “Honorable”.
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