A truly new year for Robert Barbers

Each new year is a cause for celebration, and even more so for those who once feared they wouldn’t see its dawning.

The new year promises to be an exciting year in politics, but Sen. Robert Barbers probably welcomed 2003 with other things in mind. These days, when Barbers wakes up, only one thought comes to mind. He has been blessed again with another day.

Two years ago, Barbers was diagnosed with throat cancer and given a 40 percent chance of survival. While he accepted the news of his illness with characteristic calm, the former tough cop was actually reeling inside. "It was a humbling experience for me to feel so helpless," recalls Barbers, who once served as Interior and Local Government Secretary under former President Fidel Ramos. "Dati akala ko di ako maitutumba ng kahit sino. As a police officer, I fought a lot of criminals and always emerged in one piece."

Barbers admitted that before the cancer diagnosis, there was nothing that really scared him.

"It was a wake-up call. It reminded me that I was human and that just like anyone else, I was not a permanent fixture on this earth."

Months into his treatment in the US, Barbers considered quitting the Senate. He had no voice and doctors told him it would take at least a year to have it back. It was a blow for this proud man who relished debating sessions in the Senate.

Fortunately, Barbers’ wife of more than 30 years, Virgie Smith, didn’t allow him to brood. Instead, she persuaded her husband to surrender himself to the Lord. Let His will be done, she advised him.

"And I did. I just offered everything to God. I prayed that the operation and the treatment be a success, that whatever He designed for me, I would fully accept."

In less than six months after the operation, Barbers recovered his voice. His doctor, Bruce Haughey, a noted oncologist in America, was amazed with his speedy recovery.

Barbers, who is celebrating his 58th birthday tomorrow and 35th wedding anniversary this month, is not about to let his second chance at life go to waste. His days are entirely devoted to his three passions: his family, his work and his health.

"I jog every morning and stay away from fatty food. My doctor advised me to regularly drink non-fat milk and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Nowadays, I feel light and energetic. So when I come home from the Senate, I still have the strength to play with my grandkids and the wife," he chuckles.

Quality family time has also taken on a more important meaning for the Barbers family with weekends spent together at the family home in Makati. But Barbers admits it’s difficult to have all his four children and their families together at the same time.

His eldest son, Robert "Lyndon," is the governor of Surigao del Norte while his second son, Robert "Ace," took over his spot as congressman of their district. His third son, Robert "Dean," was appointed Philippine Tourism Authority GM by President Arroyo. Grace, the youngest, is happily married to Lauro Baja III, son of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Lauro Baja II. They are now based in Singapore.

"If all my children can’t make it to the weekend reunion, my apos are always there to cheer me and my wife up."

Besides it’s not like Barbers has nothing to do. The corridor leading to his office is lined with people seeking his help.

"But I always think that’s it’s a job I chose and love–to try to help the less fortunate the whole year round. I am in a position to do so. It’s better to use the influence I have to help others."

Every morning is "good" for Barbers.

"Every day is valuable to me. It took a big test in my life to understand just how blessed I am and how good God really is. I believe God gave me a second chance at life so I could pursue a bigger mission. I don’t know what it is, but I am pretty sure He will show me the way."

Robert Barbers has his voice back, and his message is loud and clear.

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