Moving on

My son graduated from grade school last week. Like most parents I felt nostalgic and sentimental. I remembered his first day in kindergarten six years ago. I wondered if he would make a lot of friends, I wondered if he would be scared. I wondered if he would cry being left alone. (FYI, he did better than me because I sure balled my eyes out during my first day in school). I was hopeful he would enjoy the journey. I was hopeful that he would learn.

That was six years ago. Today, he is moving on to Middle School. I am a proud dad because he has enjoyed the journey, he has made a lot of friends and he has learned that the Journey to Knowledge is unending.

Six years ago, I was asked to write this column when the dot-com boom was upon us. As a writer, I was a beginner. In fact, I had to take a remedial writing course in business school. As a novice, I was scared wondering if I was good enough. I was hopeful that I would enjoy the journey. I was hopeful that I would learn.

That was six years ago. Today, I am moving on. I feel satisfied because I enjoyed the journey. I made a lot of friends and I have learned that the Journey to Knowledge is unending. I just hope I shared a little of my two cents to my readers along the way. (By last count my fan base has reached the exciting number of 20, and that includes my Ilocano and Chinese cousins already.)

In closing, I want to share a few last pieces of advice:

a) The old adage "Only two things are certain in life: death and taxes" is no longer enough. My two cents: "Five things are certain in life: death, taxes, change, computers, and the love of your family."

b) We should be vigilant in our fight for a better Philippines. My two cents: 1) Work hard and obey the rules, and 2) Do the right thing and the numbers will follow.

c) There is always hope. No matter how dark, dire and challenging our problems seem to be, let Jesus take your burden away. I quote from Psalm 23: "…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…"

This is Dickson Co, your Cheap Finance Officer signing off. Good Bye and Good Luck!