Monday, October 5, 2009

The Homecoming

"Eternal Wanderer, asan ka na?", our helper texted me at around 12:30 p.m. I was still safely ensconced in Cubao Boy's room after the previous day's harrowing experience. Truth be told, I was loathe to go home. I just wanted to stay in the room, cocooned from all the cares and troubles that I just went through. The thought of the house ruined was too much to bear. After all, it was more than a roof over my head and a place I go to at the end of a weary day. The house was my home. It was where I grew up, and bar-none future disasters, will be the place where I would live out the rest of my life. My heart was wrenching at the thought of having to face the reality of the disaster.

The skies were still overcast as I trudged my way home. Then it started to drizzle slightly. I couldn't help but think that the heavens were gently weeping for what it was seeing. On the streets, I saw the lives of the people out for the whole world to witness: ruined furniture, wet books and papers, dirtied pieces of clothes, slippers, and shoes. It was painful to look at; much more torturous to think that the same scene would greet me when I would get back home.

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"Ingat ka. Madulas ang sahig.", I was warned by our helper as I went through the gate.

The aluminum door was propped open, and I entered the house with breath abated.

I almost choked at the sight. It was worse than I imagined it to be.

The old, solid wooden furniture were overturned. Everywhere, the various knick knacks my Dad, Mom, and I collected through the years were strewn about. All the things that we weren't able to put above the water-line were clogged with flood water. Silted mud was on the floor, and there was a reek of stagnating dampness all over.

I carefully tried going around to examine the water damage.

It was pretty much extensive.

For a moment, I was overwhelmed. I didn't know where to start cleaning. Faced with the thought that I only had our helper, her husband, and her nephew for manpower, I almost wanted to give up right there and then. But of course I knew I couldn't.

I looked at my feet. There was a torn comic book lying in the mud. I sighed and slowly picked it up.

One at a time, I told myself.

One at a time.

10 comments:

  1. I cannot begin to comprehend how it must be for you and your family. Going through the rubble, seeking a semblance of normalcy in the aftermath of the deluge. We too were hit, but not as bad as when I was younger when we had to paddle on a mattress out of our apartment at Pandacan. This time around, I had to keep up all night keeping the water out with bucketfuls of persistence.

    We find solace in learning that we are not solitary in this wake. That life will continue. Objects are mere reminders of our memories. They may turn to dust and disintegrate with time, but the lessons we learned we keep in a chest of memories we safeguard.

    Be strong EW, what's important is we're still here to pick up the pieces. That despite the misery of the situation, we're still luckier than many of our brothers.

    My prayers are with you and your family.

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  2. the hardest part i guess of what happened is picking up the pieces and moving on.

    just be thankful that you survived, i guess.

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  3. at this point, that is the best thing to do.

    pick up the pieces, one at a time.

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  4. grabe talaga ang nangyari. keep the faith. malalampasan niyo din ang lahat ng 'yan.

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  5. yes, one at a time. and like what you always say, (which is now my favorite quote, haha), "Nada de turbe. Todo se pasa".

    breathe in, breath out. :)

    kaya mo yan LT!!

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  6. it takes time but definitely you'll surpass it... ingat ka po lagi!

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  7. Max, Xtian, Commuter, Engel, Red, John: salamat guys. I appreciate your gesture of concern :)

    Red: hey, welcome back. long time no see :)

    John: thanks for passing bye. i do hope you stay around a bit and have a look-see around my blog :)

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  8. in every cloud there is a silver lining. just try to look at the brighter side of the adversities you are experiencing right now.

    this too shall pass. good to hear that you and your household members are doing just fine.

    ingats always!

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  9. haha, no problem. i've been a lurker in your blog for a time although it's just now that i decided to make my presence felt.

    all the best, ew!

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  10. Eye: shucks thanks :)

    John: Glad you're now out in the open. No pun intended hahaha

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