Heart full of soul

The title of today’s column is appropriate for Valentine’s Day. It’s actually the title of a song recorded by the British pop band The Yardbirds in 1965. The song went to No. 2 in the UK singles charts and has been covered by several artists to become a sort of an anthem. On this Day of Hearts, we’re reminded of giving, sharing and appreciating love with a soulful passion.

American author Helen Keller once said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched … they must be felt with the heart.” Keller lost her sight and hearing due to illness as a 19-month-old baby. She overcame her disabilities by learning how to read without sight and how to listen without hearing. Keller died in 1968 at the age of 87.

In this pandemic, the best gift anyone can give on Valentine’s Day is love from the heart. It’s something that’s priceless. The example of love shown by frontliners, first responders and law enforcers in these difficult times is an inspiration to all. In sports, the Filipino athletes sacrificing to train abroad far away from their families are just as inspiring. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena is based in Italy, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Malaysia and boxers Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Eumir Marcial, Mark Bernaldez, James Bacon and Jonas Sultan are in the US. The PBA players, coaches, staff and journalists who endured bubble confinement for up to 2 1/2 months in Clark did it for love of their families, the league and the game. The athletes holed up in Calamba are working hard to keep their Olympic dreams alive with all their heart. Living is meaningless without love.

Last year, Dr. George Canlas and his wife Glennda began a campaign to show their heartfelt gratitude to “everyday heroes” by giving away bikes through the Benjamin Canlas Courage To Be Kind Foundation, named in honor of their son. Ben passed away in March 2019 at the age of 18 and on his 40th day in heaven, Glennda delivered a touching message that tugged at the heartstrings. “If there is only one thing that you carry with you as a reminder of Ben, let it be this – may you always find the courage to be kind,” she said. “Because you have reached out to us and loved us and cared for us, we would want you to know this – we will make it through – with faith in God and His promise, with love, with the kinship of family and friends.” That message of love was the seed that blossomed into the Foundation which has now donated 170 bikes over four batches since last July. Recipients were doctors, nurses, pharmacists, storekeepers, home farmers, caretakers, commuting workers grinding out a living, security guards, househelpers, drivers, security guards, teachers, athletes, delivery couriers, grocery store clerks and more.

Yesterday, the Foundation donated 42 bikes, each with a helmet from the 87 Helmets Project, vest, rain gear and lock. A recipient was security guard Jimmy Enrique who was nominated by his wife Erlinda. “Umaga’t gabi, naglalakad siya sa kaniyang duty na 7 to 7,” she said. “Halos tatlong oras ang nilalakad niya. Isa lang akong housewife, apat ang anak namin. Pag pang-umaga siya, maaga gumigising para lang hindi siya ma-late sa duty.” The bike will make it easier for Enrique to go to and come from work.

On this Day of Hearts, the Canlas family suggests ways to help others – remind them they are loved, call them, run errands for them, stay at home, wash your hands and keep a safe distance with this thought – “Kindness is a conscious choice and often, it’s the smallest of gestures that leaves a great impact on our hearts.” Happy Valentine’s Day.