"An Inspirational Story"

"This story is all about the life of my best friend named Vira.She's a simple girl who values her family so much.She's a strong girl, for she faces whatever problem she encounters with a smile. But despite of her being strong, she has a past that she wished she had never experienced."

Back when Vira was still a child she thought that life was so simple and that everybody could live happily ever after. Every night her father would tell them bedtime stories and her most favorite one was the story about the pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. She even told herself that one day when she’s old enough she’s going to go look for that pot of gold and give to him. Vira have a big and happy family and everything they needed are within arm’s reach for they are raised with a silver spoon on their mouths.

Years passed by and she just turned seven years old. Everything is going smoothly for her but still she wasn’t contented and so she asked God to please give her another baby sister to take care of, since she wasn’t able to take care of Nikkie because she was still a year old when she was born, and promised Him that she will take good care of her. Then a week or two later her prayer was answered when her mom announced to the whole family that she’s pregnant again. Vira was so happy when she arrived and could still remember that memorable day like it happened only yesterday. She immediately took care of her and did not left her side that day and so she was absent from school because of that.

Another year went by unnoticed and here the drastic changes of her life began. She came to the realization that that there are things that aren’t meant to be. That not all stories end with a happily ever after, there are some that comes to a happily never after before their lives really begin. And that’s what happened to her. Her parents broke up without so much ado and it all happened so fast that it came to her like a blur. She never heard or saw them fight, not even once. She still couldn’t believe it even if her mom took her and her two younger sisters to her hometown while her eldest brother was left behind with her grandparents (dad’s parents).She never thought that the day she said good bye to her mother will be the last time within almost a year.

Vira thought it was just a short visit from her hometown to her mother’s family and she even asked her how long are they staying there and why can’t her brother stay with them. “We’ll be going back before you even notice it, honey,” her mother answered her and Vira believed her. The next day she went to the public elementary school of Del Monte, Agusan Del Sur. She didn’t mind it at all or ever wondered why she’s going to a different school since she loves schooling so much. Days became weeks and weeks became months. She is now celebrating her eight birthday and was wondering why isn’t there even a single slice of cake or even just a balloon for her. She found it strange because she was used in celebrating her birthday with a party prepared by her mom and grandparents.

One morning after she asked her mom about when will they go back her grandmother Minda (her mom’s mother) told a painful revelation. Her mom told them that their parents were over long before they got there because he’s dad got another woman. On that day she stopped bothering her mom about questions that she realized was painful for her although she tried her best without lying to them. She never asked her again if when will they are going back and kept it to herself and secretly hoped that that day will finally come because she admitted that life in Del Monte was very different from the life they we’re raised and mom knew that too, though she kept it to herself too. They never talked about the life they have left behind especially when her mom’s around because they know that if she heard them talking about that she’ll be hurt. Then the day that he have been waiting for so long arrived, her grandfather Primo (her papa’s father) came and said that he’ll take them back now. She was so happy as well as her sisters. For almost a year they did not see their grandmother and older brother.

The day came when finally they are back again to the place where she was raised and molded. Everything is fine she keep on telling herself though she knows that it is not. Even if a year has passed the news about her parents separation is still rampant and fresh especially that they are back again. They became the laughing stock and the talk of the town for almost two years. People talk behind their back and made fun of them openly most of them would ask her politely “Hey, Vira, where’s your mom?” and she will answer him that she’s at their house. Then he will ask her again “Then who’s that woman standing there isn’t she your second mother?” then he pointed somebody at a distance when she followed his finger she saw the other woman of her dad. She was so furious but what can an eight years old child do to a thirty year old adult? Nothing! So she smiled at him sweetly and replied “No. I have no idea what you’re talking about, mister.” And she left. That happened a few more times but she ignored all of them. One afternoon while she was playing with her friends most of them knew her history others don’t. She was caught off guard when one of her not so close playmates asked her, “Why is your father not living with you? Instead he’s living at the other house?” She was caught off guard with that question. Luckily she was quick and answered her that her father is working as their driver and her close friends are kind enough to support her and at the same time stop her from asking another question again.

It was the first time that she lied and she was only nine years old. She realized that in order to protect herself and other siblings she have to do that even though she know it isn’t good for they are taught to be honest. Since then they have manage to dodge and evade questions connected to that. Every time she looks at her mom no matter how hard she tries to hide the pain of the separation from them. Vira could still see it clearly in her eyes. She knows how hard it was for her to come back to her father’s parents but she can do nothing about the fact that she cannot support them. What was more painful was the fact that the woman who destroyed their family was one of her mothers’ few friends because her mom was such a silent person and seldom goes out.

I could never fathom how she endured the humiliation and hurt of coming back but one thing is for sure it’s because she loves us too much that she’s willing to sacrifice everything. I’ve seen her fight and withstand pain with head up high. How the experience made her stronger and more resilient, and because of that I’m proud of her. And if ever I’ll be born again I’d still want her to be my mother.

My father was such an intelligent man that is why I keep on wondering how he could do this to us. Wasn’t he thinking about his children? But I never had the guts to personally ask him. I was too afraid to know the truth and I don’t want to hurt him too for asking unbearable questions. I could never forget the day one of my classmate told me that I am such a bad child that is why our father left us. I never knew his reason in telling me that was. All I know is that I don’t want to find out anymore.

Vira was afraid to ask questions for fear that’ she might hurt them. She always tells herself that it’s better to be hurt than to hurt the one you love. Years went by before she finally realized that her broken family could never be pieced back anymore. There are things that are better left the way they are and let them be than try to arrange it even if it’s already impossible. Now that’s she finally understand the whole thing she’s starting to move on. Accept the fact that this is her fate and that she will never see her family again together because so many painful things had happened. Even if they forgive their father it will never be enough anymore. The rip that was created by years of betrayal could never be patched up.