Julia

I never met her, and the only time I heard about her was when she was declared missing last April 8, but there is a deep and profound sadness inside me at the passing of Julia Campbell, a Peace Corps volunteer who was found dead in Banaue on April 18, apparently the victim of yet another violent crime (read the Peace Corps statement on her death here). Her being a foreigner and a volunteer make her death all the more tragic: she did not have to be in the Philippines, but she chose to live among us to make our lives a little better. Her blog (from where I got the pictures in this entry) has now become a memorial, with more than a hundred people (and counting) leaving messages to her -- even though she will never be able to read them. I left this one, the lyrics of the song "Julia" credited to Lennon/McCartney but actually written by John Lennon for his late mother. There are no words to express our collective sorrow, and half of what we say will be meaningless...

JULIA

Half of what I say is meaningless
But I say it just to reach you, Julia

Julia, Julia, oceanchild, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia

Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia

Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering
In the sun

Julia, Julia, morning moon, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia

When I cannot sing my heart
I can only speak my mind, Julia

Julia, sleeping sand, silent cloud, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia

So I sing a song of love for Julia, Julia, Julia

Arnel's 44th

My oldest brother Arnel celebrated his 44th birthday last April 3 at his home in LA. Let me share with you something he wrote to us, his brothers and sisters, regarding this milestone and how important it is to not get caught in the trap of failing to enjoy the moment:


Dear all,

I'm 44. I've always looked forward to the time when all the kids are
grown up, and to my retirement which I imagined would be playing all kinds
of sports and what have you. Recent events changed the way I think about
this now. I've injured my left knee in November '06, playing basketball,
and my knee is about 70% recovered. I am not sure if I can recover to
100%, but right now I can walk normally, but not run, jump or dance the
way I used to.

Now, I really live life by the minute. I appreciate every second of
2-year old Leandro's precious hug, because in 5 days he is going to be 3.

I will prepare for the future, but I will enjoy every minute of that
preparation. Time goes by quickly if you always look forward to the
future and forget to appreciate the present.

Let us always remind each other not to fall into this trap.

Arnel

And here's a video taken during his birthday bash: