Liham, Lihim #12

An E-Mail for my Cousin

Dea,

How are you today? How’s your life? How do you take the day? How do you take the challenges of life which are designed by God above? How much ‘willingness-to-change-your-lifestyle-and-outlooks-in-life’’ you have? How much love you give to yourself? How much time you spend in ne’er-do-well matters? How many ‘how’s’ do you have in your mind?

HOW?

These questions, if answered sincerely by you, would be helpful to asses yourself. Self-assessment is knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

‘How’ is the hardest question of all questions.  But it is the easiest, as well, if only you will try.

How?

I don't know. I only knew that having you, made me lucky. Why? Dn't ask why. Ask how.

How did I treasure you, as you are? How did I mingle with you withut even considering the time? How did I care for you? How much effort and time I spent just to be a good adviser, an exact example or a role model to you? How much laughter I get from you? How much wisdom I have learned from you? How much listen to me? How many advises I gave you which you applied?

Cousin, thank you! Thank you! Despite of our differences we're still treating each other as important people on earth. I couldn't deny that I have learned a lot from you and from your life.

But, please. do not get me wrong. Your life is intersting for me as a writer-by-heart. I was conversig with you not only because it's a wonderful topic for a literary piece but also because you're important to me. As your closest cousin, I don't want you to drown on a pond of mud. I would love to see you successful and joyful.

And, please, don't condemn me if I will say..your life is miserable. It's okay! It is, indeed, a good thing. Misery will not be a misery forever if you know how to utilize it for good. I will tell you. As an advocate of writing, miserable lives are often my topics. In fact, my first poem was all about heartache caused by a woman I truly loved. That was when I discovered my writing talent. I know how to utilize misery. Thus, I want you to manage what you are going through this moment. Find an outlet.

You know what? My life is as flawful as yours. You and I have something in common. We have a common denominator. We're both problematic. Yet, it is okay! Life is what we make it. Sadness or happiness and victory or defeat are dependent to us. Right?

While doing this epistle, Yeng Constantino's 'Hawak-Kamay' was on the background. It says: "Hawak-kamay/ di kita iiwanan sa paglakbay/ dito sa mundong walang katiyakan'.

Would you mind if I dedicate it to you?

I love that song and its essence ---which was all about hope and friendship.

Again, thank you for listening to me and to my stories of life and thank you for confiding me your secrets. It only shows that you are trusting me much. Thus, I will be your trusted cousin as long as you trust me.

Be strong. Don't lose grip on hope, for God is Hope.

Your Cousin,

Poroy