Whenever we take that road to Provident Village, I consciously ask myself, “why are we blessed?” and I always come up with several answers despite the devastating surroundings. We come to the realization that although things are written in black and white, you always have the option to choose which side you’re on.

Times like this, one may say that “I lost everything.” In our case, WE REGAINED SOMETHING.

We regained the love and respect for and from each member of our family. We regained moments with each other, which we have frequently taken for granted. It was only yesterday that I was able to hug my Ate, shed a tear with her again and shared a good laugh with my Kuya over a ridiculous radio ad. It’s at this time that I truly appreciated my siblings because I know they will be there should I be in this situation. And because they are now living with us, we are now together as one family every single day, instead of twice or thrice a week. We’re even sharing wi-fi access at home and accessing FB all at the same time.

We regained friends — those we thought we have already lost in the way but are now sending text messages of comfort, asking how we are and offering their help and those we have never thought of taking this experience with us.

Most importantly, we regained our faith because of the continuous blessings that we receive from the Lord despite the losses.

My Ate says her biggest realization is that she didn’t possess anything. Except for some valuables, she’s almost ready to get rid of everything in their house. And I think that is not a matter of being proud that she has the resources to replace these material things. It is the strength to let go of fond memories in their house and move on, which is very hard to do at this stage of this tragedy, It is a simple reminder that life is really temporary and while we are able and capable, we need to invest not on worldly riches but on reliable friends, a strong and intact family and a healthy life.

More than anything else, we are blessed because our loved ones are not only safe, but they were spared from any physical hardship and traumatic experience as well. I couldn’t imagine my 7-year old nephew being trapped in that attic for more than 12 hours, nor my sister having to worry about her husband’s health, Miguel, Marlyn, their safety, the house and their belongings all at the same time. Moreso, the 4 of them being stuck on the rooftop and waiting endlessly for rescue. Again, we are blessed because they are alive and unharmed.

I think it is also a blessing that we are given the opportunity to see the beauty amidst disaster, people’s kindness and generosity despite fight for survival, unity bridging physical and social barriers, cheerful smiles in times of hardships, and will instead of hopelessness.

These are the true reasons why we are blessed.

This is a repost from a UP friend’s Facebook’s note about her family’s typhoon Ondoy experience which I think is worth sharing. Please share in your Twitter and Facebook.

See related posts:

How to donate to Ondoy Typhoon Victims

Ondoy Virus: Featured on Inquirer.Net