Remembering Yolanda

• Posted by Evert Chris Dimalanta February 7, 2014 - Filed in Personal - 1,492 views

  

   

  Super typhoon Yolanda…I will never ever forget you.

  
  I came from Pangasinan, far north from where the typhoon struck, killing thousands of people and made survivors homeless. Tears, not just rainwater, flooded the area. The day the typhoon left the Philippine area of responsibility, I felt the wind of Yolanda. It was not as strong as the winds in the Visayas, of course, but I felt her. But the question you may ask is: Why would I write something about her when I experienced the least of its wrath? Well, I have my personal reason. For some, it may be kind of selfish. Yes, guilty as charged. But Yolanda took something from me that can never be gained back. She took from me what could have been another wonderful first of my life.

  
  Flight 5J 637, November 8, 2013, NAIA Terminal 3, Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. I still remember how excited I and my friends were. We had our travel bags packed, full of enthusiasm and excitement. Well, we have been planning for it since July. Until Yolanda entered the picture and spoiled it all.

  
  I am not really a traveler. No, I love to travel but there are certain factors which makes such a luxury evasive. I am working six days a week, with daily overtime. It could have been a major break from work. So, I know you know what I meant when I said Yolanda spoiled the fun.

  
  But on second thought, seeing the tragic effects of the super typhoon made me realized a few things. Sometimes, God allow things to happen to wake us up from deep slumber. I, for instance, though I was not a victim of the onslaught of the typhoon, felt God’s message. And I know it was His will that the trip should be rescheduled. It was His will that my excitement would fade so I will realize the other important things in life. That life is not all about joy and fun. It is not all about our needs and wants. Rather, it is about what He wants and what we need to understand. That since He is taking care of us and providing for our needs, we should give back by taking care of Mother Earth. Let us do this not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.

  
  By the way, in December 2013, my friends and I were able to proceed with our trip. And I had so much fun.