Times of want and come backs

Meliza M. Batac

Just this Tuesday I received a message from a friend now based in United Arab Emirates. She was sharing that she almost lost her job due to the pandemic, good heaven that she didn’t. Later, while I was reading the middle portion of the said message, she suddenly inserted that hopefully when the global crisis is done we will have a mini reunion.

More so, at the end she has attached a photo during our college days. I don’t know if I would laugh, cry, be nostalgic or feel all these emotions at the same time. I looked gaunt, flimsy, with darkened bulging eye bags compared to all of my peers. Then, I was transported back to that day the photograph was taken.

I look awful compared to my looks today. I remember, that day something happened and as much as I want to conceal it when were photographed maybe my eyes and stance give me away. I accompanied my mother to where my father works, and it was not a day for picnic. We have to race with time to look for funds to save our house or else we will be evicted soon.

My father was good with words and salesmanship. He had reached his quota for the day and went beyond that even. So to speak, he had an incentive and we waited but were able to beat the deadline.

Months after, when we thought things are getting up, father suddenly got sick. Mother was left with all the bills and debts that should be paid immediately. We sold cookies, brownies and candies to make both ends meet. If suitors would visit, they would buy our products instead of giving me flowers and cheesy stuff. But that is through their own volition, maybe they pity us too.

God was really good and despite our financial situation, I got to earn a scholarship until I graduated. Though it has been years, the experience would always be in my memories and my heart. Those are the most crucial years of survival for me and my family – I am grateful I have experienced them that today I learned to value money.

One of the greatest influencers I have is Mr. Chinkee Tan, most likely, his name rings a bell for his “Chink +”, the bestselling books he wrote, his constant television and radio appearance, and social media interviews. Similarly, I admire his resilience in life as he shares what he has been through. He never took setbacks as the end of everything for him; instead he made use of these powerful experiences as stepping stones to achieve his dreams. Coming from him, at a young age he was selling items to friends and never blamed his father for all the misfortunes they had. He also spoke of saving, budgeting among other things. He taught people not to put all funds in one business venture, not to give up and how to handle disappointment with ardent grace.

Till this day, I practice what he has said about business, that, one must know his or her capabilities and what an individual is good at. To let go when you have given all you’ve got but still nothing works.

I am a teacher , however, all these stuff led me to the business world, and today we are not wanting when it comes to our. It may be a small scale endeavor but what I am able to put on the table the product of sheer hard work and “clean” efforts. I buy only the essentials over the things I want or make me happy. I keep something for the future and work extra hard too to have passive income. Better days are coming, and I see a future that is glimmering with bright lights.

Now, when I look in the mirror, I no longer see the frail lady I used to be. But in my consciousness she will forever live. That through God’s promise she is where is she is now. That in life, it is not always a “rainy day” because come what may, with persistent hard work, value for hard earned money, as well as people who serve as role models you can turn poverty into myriads of opportunities. And if doors are closing on you, there are windows that are wound up to open for you –just see the good in everything and you will not only attract luck, the true fortune is both faith in God and one’s self. So make the most out of your existence and invest in God’s words because they are not vague promises but precepts that shall lead you to success.

The author is SHS Teacher

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III at Angeles City Senior High School