Vinta and Christmas
In the Philippines, the Christmas season is also a period when we experience typhoons. It is when we hear news reports about disasters in our place or in other neighboring provinces. This situation stops or discourages our loved ones from travelling. And so provides an immense opportunity to be with their beloved at home to have more time together celebrating Christmas.
Just a little more than a week after tropical storm Urduja that caused devastation and the deaths of 54 people in the Visayas due to floods and landslides, we are expecting a stronger one, tropical storm Vinta. As of this writing, Vinta has already caused damage in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
This situation is not uncommon to us especially in areas that are always hit by typhoons. This experience has made the people resilient to natural disasters. We take it as part of an annual occurrence and so we have made some coping mechanisms.
This is also an opportunity for well-meaning groups and individuals to share what they have with the less fortunate ones, all in the spirit of giving and sharing–the very essence of Christmas. Various initiatives that are aimed at gathering material and social support for the affected families are being launched for this purpose.
For a family that has lost a member or members because of the typhoon, and in time of Christmas, it is such an adverse occasion. How can we bear to be merry knowing that someone can't be with us and forever be physically missed? It is indeed a test of faith on how we cope with the loss of a loved one in a season of merrymaking. So much emotional strength is needed.
As I am reminded of our Christmas family photos being uploaded on social media and Facebook, year after year, I can see a member is not present due to his or her passing. And this leaves a certain void in my heart. My father Francisco, Tita Baby, brother Bayani, and my aunt Clodualda have left us. And all of them, at one time, were present in our family photo every Christmas gathering. Now, all I have are memories of them.
The occurrence of typhoons tests the resilience of a family. It is truly nostalgic as we see the pictures through the years the passing of the members of the family. And yet we also welcome the new additions to the family. The granddaughters and sons have filled happiness and hope for the family. They provide the much-needed assurance that life, indeed, is beautiful and worth celebrating.
Whether there is a disaster or an incomplete family, it will not make the Christmas celebration imperfect. Disasters like typhoons, are just challenges for families to stay stronger. It reminds us to stay together despite the many challenges. The family is where love and care dwell.
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