The First Hug

I woke up early this morning hearing my brother's voice talking to my Uncle.  An overseas call.  I heard my brother saying… "Tito, wala na akong matandaan sa mga binasa ko eh.  Ipagdasal ninyo po ako.  Kinakabahan ako."

I stayed lying on my bed until the conversation was finished.  Then came, my parents from Amadeo.  They saw my bro was crying.

Before he left, he hugged us all… constantly saying "Ipagdasal ninyo ako na may maisagot ako, wala sana akong blankong sagot"

All of us are teary-eyed then.  After the mass for the Bedan Barristers, we went outside of the driveway to cheer for my brother during the send-off party.  These are the pictures taken.  He hugged us again… that was the first hug of the family… with me, Mader, Daddy and Rovs.  Then I saw, everyone's crying at our back, when they saw us crying, too.  Still… my bro was telling…. "Ipagdasal ninyo po ako.."  A big, very tight hug, very assuring and very comforting strength brought about by the renewed family bond among us.  I don't know either if it was the first mass we ever attended at the time we were already grown-ups.

This was I guess one of the memorable scenes in my life that my heart will fondly remember…

More than the victory that this 2007 Bar Examination will give us, I am more than ecstatic at how this challenge bring us closer together… a one big happy family.  My knees were shaking while inside the church.  Among the family members, I was the one very emotional and always teary-eyed… for I know, it's not just any ordinary tear.. a tear of forgiveness and unconditional love.

Tomorrow at 4am, we will be in De La Salle - Taft to witness the first day of the Bar Examinations where we will all be cheering for our very own… "Totoy Ovel!"  hehehe

I pray not just for wisdom and strength… but for a healthy mind and body and a strength of character that will set him apart from the 5000++ bar examinees….

"That in all things… God may be glorified."

I thank God that it happened again to us.. Thank you, Lord.