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Of Pebbles and Diamonds
July 23, 2008
I have always loved writing. It is my life I should say. And I couldn’t imagine myself in any other professions that do not have love affairs with the written words.
I took up journalism at the University of Santo Tomas because it was the only course that I was attracted to. I longed to be a journalist. But it was a dream seen through the eyes of a probinsyano, who was fresh out of high school.
My Lola and my Mom were Vilmanians and therefore, it was not surprising when I became an admirer of Vilma Santos too. Seeing her on TV interviewed by movie reporters, it became a goal to someday meet her in person… and perhaps, do the interview myself! (Well, I’ve met Gov. Vi numerous times since then and in fact “ambush” interviewed her for an assignment in my feature writing class back in the late 80s at the Metropolitan Museum/MET where her weekly musical variety show was staged.)
Yes, the movie reporters— Inday Badiday, Joe Quirino, Ike Lozada, Babette Villaruel (May they all rest in peace! Wow, am I that old now?) became my inspiration to pursue journalism. I remember cutting classes just to go to the MET to watch Ate Vi and mingle with the reporters backstage.
All I wanted then was to be a showbiz writer. So when I graduated, I applied in one of the movie magazines and oh, how my heart broke when my application was rejected! Bruised, I decided to just go back to my hometown to practice my profession. “Perhaps, that’s where I belong. I am a promdi and I must have aimed too high,” I told myself.
But the universe had a different game plan. A week before I was about to go back to the province, a classmate asked me to accompany him to a job fair in Malacanang organized by the Presidential Action Center (PACE) under then Executive Secretary Oscar Orbos. To make the long story short, I was hired. My friend was not.
Thus began my writing career—not in showbiz, but in politics. I was devastated when I got rejected by the showbiz mag, only to find out in the end that the alternative the universe offered was better than what I originally wanted.
For three months, I was part of Orbos’s media handlers. When he resigned, then Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco needed a junior in-house reporter for President Cory Aquino. I was at the right place, at the right time so to speak. My adventure was further heightened (it was as if I was soaring!) when I became President Fidel Ramos’s close-in reporter. At 21, I was the “baby” in FVR’s coverage team. From then on, the adventure never stopped.
When I left the palace in mid-2001, I was the head of the Office of the Press Secretary’s Substantive Group. For close to eight years now, I am enjoying the corporate world (exploring corporate communications). And as a bonus, I am moonlighting as a columnist! Ah, life is good!
I have my love affair with the written words to thank for. My passion for writing has led me to places literally (40 countries most of which I traveled with FVR) and figuratively—far beyond what I originally dreamed of.
To fight stress, I’ve been maintaining an online journal for over a year now to freely express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings in words. It feels good to write about anything simply because I just love to write about it. Never have I imagined that this blogging thing would lead me to the fulfillment of one of my “To Do” lists before I die—write a column in a national newspaper.
That’s why when I got words from sir Cecil Arillo, the editor-in chief, that they would like me to be part of the roster of columnists for Philippine Gazette, I got very excited! Though I am a journalist, I was never part of any media institution. I was a presidential reporter. Hence, the thought of being associated with a media outlet thrills me.
I’ve toyed with several titles for this column and ended up with Looking Glass, which simply means mirror. Hence, my column hopes to give my readers a glimpse of my being. Looking Glass will be all about the adventure, the musings, the hopes, the joys, the travails, and dreams of a thirty-something singleton trying to survive in this urban jungle that is mega Manila.
But since this is a mirror, what the readers may actually find here will be reflections of their own selves. Exciting, isn’t it?
I was asked once to describe my life so far and I replied, “I asked God for pebbles… instead, He gave me diamonds.” This column, certainly, is another diamond that God has generously given. For that, I am grateful.
He Can See Clearly Now
June 25, 2008
He has made all things beautiful in His time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11
His world crumbled when he had to give up the condo by the bay. After all, it was his dream to have one overlooking Manila Bay. A substantial chunk of his hard earned money went to the amortization of the property. Therefore, when he couldn’t afford anymore to pay the monthly amortization due to some unexpected family obligations, it was as if his dream was crushed before his very eyes.
He had to asked God why does it have to happen. "Did i do you any wrong? What have i done to deserve this?" he lamented. But his questions seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. No answer… or so he thought.
It was very painful. The flat, for him, was perfect. (He dreamed of having a condo with a balcony and an ocean view. He got it. Not really a full view of the ocean but at least he can see it still since having a full front view will be very expensive. He settled for a unit in the 8th floor. That’s all he can afford. Not bad. In fung shui, 8 is a good number.)
He had to make a personal appeal to the president of the real estate company just to salvage some of the money he invested. The president was gracious enough. As a compromise, he will transfer to a new condo project of the company somewhere in Makati; the expenses from the bay condo incurred by the company- i.e. taxes paid, registration, agent’s commission, etc.– will have to be deducted from the amount he has already paid. Still a huge amount but better than nothing. So with a heavy hard, he agreed.
His agent gave him a good location- a 1BR loft on the 32nd floor and a corner unit. It also has a balcony and the Manila Bay is still very visible. He will have a full front view of the sea. Ok na rin. He may have to wait a while since expected turn over is still in late 2009 or early 2010.
And so, for almost a year now, he has been paying the Makati unit diligently. But whenever he sees his previous unit now standing tall in the bay area, the hurt returns. Forever, it will remind him of a major disaster in his life. The Manila Bay condo is very visible from the 27F of the building where his office station is.
In late May, his real estate agent called.
Agent: Hey, ahmm, there’s a problem with regards to your flat. The developer will have to convert all the units in the 32nd floor into a 1BR flat. No longer a loft.
Guy: Huh? how can that be? I want a loft. That’s what the contract said.
Agent: Yea, i know. Will try to do something,
Guy: Ok. But please let’s make it clear to the developer, much as i appreciated the kindness of the president, I want the loft. That’s what the contract that i signed said. If they can’t give it, i will have to withdraw all the investment i have and look for another unit. I cant bear another disappointment.
Fast forward. Mid-June:
Agent: I have great news for you!
Guy: Really? tell me about it 
Agent: You will have your loft. And since the loft will only be available at the Penthouse, there you will be! This will be at no extra charge. You’ll have the same payment terms… and what’s more, since there will be just several units in the 37th, all loft owners will have a private viewing deck and a garden.
He was speechless.
He then realized, GOD gave all the wishes of his heart… and more. He dreamed of a full Manila bay view- check. A balcony- check. Bonus: the location is very near his workplace, it’s a loft with a garden, and more importantly, in two years time, he will live at the penthouse.
Finally, his question was answered and he can see clearly now. He must have done somothing good to deserve all these
Image provided by http://www.flickr.com/photos/traces/895338560/
The mid-life bug: Is time a friend or a foe?
May 12, 2008
Is time a friend or a foe?
I used to say time is on my side… That I have a lifetime to accomplish all my goals.
But recently, I have this feeling that time is running out. There are so many things to do. So many dreams to fulfill. So many goals to achieve. And yet SO LITTLE TIME. In the average lifespan of Filipinos at 70, i have already crossed the mid-point.
Must be the mid-life bug again. And i hate this feeling. Thought I’m over and done with it. Grrrr….
The bug started when a couple of weeks ago, a US-based friend and her husband came for a short break. We were six barkadas way back in college and while in her previous visits (or on occasions when i was the one visiting her in the states), the discussions would be the latest chismis in Manila and other mundane things, I was actually amused that our topics lately have shifted to a new level of sort.
Oh boy, we were talking about children (theirs, not mine), growing families, careers,… and retirement. Yes, retirement! Gosh, i never gave it a serious thought until that fateful dinner.
That’s when I realized, "Oo nga ano… I am already into my late 30s. I guess it’s high time I should plan my future and prepare for old age…" When I started to think about that, it became clear that i have so many things in my "TO DO" list and wondered whether or not i will be able to achieve all in a lifetime… *sigh* So many things to do, so little time.
I have to step back a little and may be, one of these days, I will get a clearer perspective and i will be able to chart my directions smoothly.
But as early as now, there are top three "TO DO" in my list which are non-negotiable. These are:
1.) I will retire at age 50 (that’s 12 years from now). I cant imagine myself working full time in a company when i reach that age. I want to own my time by then… (If I am still with my present company by that time, eligible na ko to retire coz that will be my 16th year there)
2.) I want to write a book. I also intend to pursue my other passions/ hobbies which had to take a back seat at this time. I want to pursue painting, fashion designing, and teaching even. I won’t mind studying again to take related courses.
3.) Travel. A psychic friend told me once that in my previous life, I was a gypsy. Well, Gypsy or not, I want to travel the world. If only money is not a problem, I would love to revisit again the 40 or so countries (and really explore these places) that I was fortunate to visit while i was in my 20s.
Only time can tell if I will be able to do all these. It is my hope that in the end, time will prove to be a friend…
Does a Soulmate exist?
March 22, 2008
Do you believe in Soulmate? Are you part of the ultra-romantics or have you become cynical about this?
Another question: do you belong to the 94 percent who said that the first requirement in a spouse is being a soulmate?
Are you also part of the 87 percent who think they will find the person when they are ready?
(Source: Gallup poll sponsored by the National Marriage Project, Rutgers University. Poll of 1,003 ages 20 - 29 has a margin of error of + or - 4 percentage points. This was first posted at http://www.flatrock.org.nz) I am half-way through reading Paulo Coelho’s Brida. (As i have written in a previous blog, He makes me think while reading his novels. I may not totally agree with the views echoed by his characters but heck, his books make me think and analyze. That’s why I love him! While having my afternoon reading, I reached the page where one of the characters, Wicca, explaining to Brida what Soulmate is all about… (Pls note that the book is non-fiction. it is based on the life of Brida as she strives to learn the ways of Wiccan witches) She said: "The whole of man’s life on the face of the earth can be summed up by that search for his Soulmate. He may pretend to be running after wisdom, money, or power, but none of that matters. Whatever he achieves will be incomplete if he fails to find his Soulmate. "With the exception of a few creatures who are descended from the angels– and who need solitude in order to encounter God– the rest of humanity will only achieve union with God if, at some point, at some moment in their life, they manage to commune with their Soulmate." (page 57) Heavy stuff huh? Here’s my take: I used to believe in Soulmate. I guess, that’s the romantic side of me who believes in a fairy-tale happy-ever-after endings for everyone. May be the concept of Soulmate is true, after all… for the rest of those who think they have found theirs. Me? I would like to align myself with those "few creatures who descended from the angels"… lol… What’s your take?
)
A reflection on friendship
February 12, 2008
I never thought of this before: Do i have a bestfriend? Until i read a blog of my online buddy Janis Paredes titled "An ode to my bestfriend."
I actually made a comment on her site. I am publishing it here with additional thoughts (kasi medyo mahaba na yun comment ko sa site nya hehe)
hmmm… come to think of it? do i have a bestfriend? ang alam ko meron akong "inner circle" na mga kaibigan… and im sure of their loyalty… they will die for me.
pero yun 1 bestfriend? i dont know… does this mean yun lagi mong nakakasama madalas? yung pinakamatagal mo na kakilala? someone who knows you inside out?
nag-isip tuloy ako… parang walang natatangi. kasi lahat sila pare-pareho. they all know my life, my deepst fears, my greatest hopes, my likes and dislikes. wala ako itinago at maitatago sa kanila… if these are the basis, then i guess, i consider them all my bestfriends.
sa paglipas ng panahon, ive been betrayed, hurt, and loved. kasama ko sila sa lungkot at pati na sa tagumpay. They cried with me. They laughed with me. My joys are their joys. My sorrows they have also embraced.
Kumbaga, they are all extra special to me. Walang angat. Lahat, pantay-pantay. Some of them i met in college, and some etong mga later years na. Though the length of years vary, the depth of our samahan is the same.
Nakakatawa pa, iba-ibang grupo ang mga eto. Me iba-ibang interes, nasa iba-ibang larangan. Minsan, one group does not like the other group. Wala lang chemistry, ganun. But they have a common denominator: that’s ME.
I love them all for they respect my choices. Di nila ako pinapapili kung sino ang mas mahal ko. Pag may misunderstandings even to a set of my friends, nakakatuwa kasi sa akin din sila tumatakbo o nagsusumbong. Naku, kung intregera lang ako, mas lalo silang nag-away away hahaha!
That’s why I love them all the more. They know i don’t take sides. Basically, I am there for them to listen, and bridge…
My experience with people (coz ive been too trusting and gullible) made me choosy when it comes to friends. Mabibilang mo lang talaga sa daliri ang mga kaibigang nasa "inner circle" ko.
Who i have now are my bestfriends. They are God’s gifts. I just hope that the friendship i have with them will be for life…
Waiting for the world to change…
February 5, 2008
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven… He has made everything appropriate in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1; 12)"
It’s just a matter of time. Sooner or later, it will happen. I just hope that when it finally happens, I am prepared for it.
Change is inevitable. As the saying goes: the only permanent thing in this world is change.
Am I ready for change? Why am i getting uncomfortable with the mere thought of it? There’s no way but to embrace it fully lest the world will pass me by and i don’t want to be left behind…
To borrow a line from Keane: "Everybody’s changing… and i don’t feel the same…"
Courage, Warrior!!!
Waiting for Love… or Running Away?
January 24, 2008
And it seems I’ve spent my whole life
Waiting for love
And when it comes
I always run away" — refrain of the song Waiting For Love by Sergio Mendez
Should this be my song too? I have posed this question in my mind more than a dozen times. And always, reasons prevail and tell me: "Of course, NOT! why do you doubt!"
(And my heart can only sigh in silence, always letting reasons win. And life goes on.)
"If you have doubts, may I remind you that you have a pact with the universe…" my inner voice adds.
Oooh– that pact. Damn! how could i forget that? Many years ago, I made a covenant with the universe. I swore to never again search or chase love. "I’ve been looking for love, chasing it all my life… and it only brought me heartache and disappointments. this time, i will let love find me. Love must find me."
And so, I’ve managed to live with it. The problem is (should i consider it as one?), i have also set conditions (or signs). I needed it so that when the right person comes along, I can be assured that Love has indeed found me…
Some friends tell me that with the requirements I have listed, looks like I am asking for the impossible… But what can i do? THOSE are my standards, not theirs. And at this time, they are non-negotiable.
That’s the sane part of me speaking. When I am alone, however, my heart challenges the very standards that I have set thus, allowing fear and doubt to set in. "Maybe i’ve set my standards too high… baka wala nang dumating…"
Good thing, my heart always relents to reasons. But i am also aware there will always be a possibility that one day, my heart will no longer listen and will tell my mind "napagbigyan na kita sa matagal na panahon. ako naman ngayon, and i don’t care if you are against it…"
Should i wait for that time … or should i pray it won’t ever happen?
(image provided by www.finex.org)
Miracles for those who believe…
December 22, 2007
"Crazy" is an understatement to describe the past few weeks. I have no words for it. Just when maybe most of the companies are slowing down to get a feel of the season, certainly, not in our company.
But I am glad it's all behind me now… i don't even want to recall what I've been through.
Hmmm… but on the other hand, maybe i should look back and never forget that episode. I should stand tall and humble December as i proudly tell her "Hey, the challenges you hurled at me were nothing. I was able to deliver!"…
The month that is about to end really tested my spirit. In the end, I can say proudly i did well 
but hell, i don't wanna go through that again. F***k… NEVER AGAIN!
I won't elaborate but let me just state that in life, lessons learned the hard way are the most valued and highly treasured…
I can't curse December… never will I curse it. How can I? it's the birthday month of JESUS! He is also the reason why I was able to deliver.
The last task was almost impossible. Only a miracle could save the day. What did I do to make it happen? I PRAYED… and God took care of the rest. All the forces of the universe seemed to have conspired to make it happen.
I am grateful… I have finally exhaled… and i have three more days to savor the Christmas season.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!!
(note: image lifted from www.thebeatmuseumonwheels.com/
Alone again (naturally)…
December 17, 2007A week after i posted my "waiting to exhale" entry, i am slowly getting back into my groove…
Still lots of work to be done (and there's only just four working days left before the long break) but somehow, the situation has been manageable. That's because i've accepted the fact that some tasks simply just can't be done and it's not totally my fault. When i accepted it's the reality, that's when i felt better and i was slowly exhaling…
And so, over the past few days, i had my much-delayed haircut (barber's cut this time… super iksi!), spent time at the spa, and visited my derma to finally had that "magic potion" (i call it that coz until now, i don't know what's being injected on my acne that makes it disappear in overnight!). I also made an effort to have a regular work out schedule at the gym.
I also did what i haven't done for a long, long time– i.e. watch a movie alone. Yeah, i love doing some stuff on my own but i dreaded the thought of eating at a restaurant, malling and watching movies… alone.
For me, these activities are meant to be enjoyed with friends. Or special someone if you have one. Ang feeling ko, napaka-pathetic ko naman if do this alone.
On that particular Saturday, all of my friends had schedules of their own and my urge to watch Elizabeth I was a spur of the moment. Knowing that it's just the only free time i have, much to my horror, i was forced to watch it alone. I did the usual routine that a moviegoer does– queued for the ticket, bought some snacks at Burger King, and finally on to the movie house.
For a few minutes, I felt sorry for myself. But when I started to concentrate on the film ( and ignored that insistent voice telling me "you're pathetic, pathetic, pathetic…" 
), I truly enjoyed Cate Blanchett's magnificent portrayal as the iconic queen. I totally forgot that i was watching alone!
Having plenty of time left, i then did another thing that day that i haven't done for years– explored Glorietta and people watch by myself!
I am proud of what i accomplished that day. More than the beautiful movie and my other activities, I was actually happy with another lesson learned– that it's okay to be alone. It's not bad, after all. It's all in my mind.
I was alone (naturally), but not necessarily lonely 
.
(image on this blog was lifted from www.camargue-nature.co.uk)
Waiting to Exhale…
December 11, 2007
Just when almost everyone i know are in a holiday mood already, it hasn't really dawned on me that it's gonna be Christmas Day in two weeks time. I'm in no holiday mood. While most of my friends are busy visiting weekend tiangges and malls for Christmas shopping, i can only sigh with envy. I simply have no time!
The past months have been overwhelming (actually it started last October). I've been out of Manila the past two weeks for out-of-town company events and while I was away, paper works, meanwhile, were filing up on my desks. Also lots of things in my office "To Do" lists! On top of that, the publication that I am overseeing is already delayed. Releasing it before Christmas break is just a dream (this gives me a lot of stress!).
Personal stuff has also taken a back seat. I can't believe i haven't gone to the salon since September!– this means I haven't had a hair cut, hair color, manicure and pedicure, etc. I haven't visited my dermatologist either since October after my appointment was cancelled on October 18 due to that Glorietta explosion (damn!). No wonder, i often have my acne break outs, especially when i am under pressure.
My work out at the gym has also been irregular while my eating binges have become a natural phenomenon, meaning, i am slowly (i'd like to think it that way) gaining weight that I avoid the weighing scale nowadays *sighs*
I feel ugly. I don't feel like fixing myself. And for this, I am pissed. Shocks!!!!
This is bad… I know, i have to get my groove back! (Oh God, help me pls!)
I'm waiting to exhale…
A Tribute to the People who Shaped my Life (Part II)
November 26, 2007
Here's the Part II of the list of people who have shaped my life… To them, i give my gratitude…
4. Secretary Fernando "Jerry" T. Barican (FTB)
Student leader (he was the initiator of the so-called First Quarter Storm when a group of student activists stormed Malacanang Palace to protest the declaration of Martial Law by then President Marcos), brilliant lawyer, newspaper columnist, and President Estrada's spokesperson (1998-2000). But beyond these accolades, FTB is a person with a heart of gold.
I will always remember Secretary Barican for his kindness. When my career was in limbo because of the transition from Ramos to Estrada, he plucked me out of the press office, created the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, and voila! He made me his chief writer. FTB was such a savior!
Perhaps, FTB was the most generous boss I ever had. In October 1998, while waiting for a flight back to Manila from Singapore, we were passing time by shopping at Changi's duty free shops. He entered a shop selling expensive watches. Casually, FTB asked me to choose which design I liked for him. I chose the special rose gold edition of the watch. I told him: "Sir, it suits you best. Very elegant." He bought the watch.
I was surprised (more of a shock, really) to see a familiar box on top of my desk when my birthday came a month later (November). He gave the watch to me as a gift. Grabeee… it's one of my most cherished possessions today. Kahit magipit ako, di ko isasangla o ibebenta yun for sentimental reasons.
From him, I learned to be generous and share whatever blessings (big or small) i have, first and foremost, with my family and then with people who need help. I haven't seen him for some time but I wish him well…
5. Press Secretary Jesus "Jess" Sison
Tatay Jess, as we fondly called him, was press secretary of FVR. A veteran newspaper man and respected columnist (Malaya and Abante) before he became my boss, Secretary Sison was like a father. He was "tatay" to all the members of the press covering the presidency.
Knowing how meager my salary was at that time, Tatay Jess would give me extra allowance every month. My favorite was during presidential foreign trips coz there will always be "pang-shopping" (in dollars!) for us, his children.
I also came to know the members of the Sison family. I became close to Mrs. Sison and their children, especially Ate Millen and Ate Izza. To them, I give my thanks…
(Tatay Jess passed away last July)
6. Press Secretary Hector "Chito" Villanueva
Secretary Villanueva was Tatay Jess' successor. From him, I learned how to handle stress and controversies well. He was "Coolness" personified. Always in control even under pressure. While holding the press secretary portfolio, Chito was also the cuncurrent presidential spokesman. How stressful it must be for him to answer burning issues everyday– but still, at the end of the day, he remained "cool" ready for his after office gimik…
He taught me how to have fun and work at the same time.
Talk about work-life balance…
At present, Chito is the head of the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost).
7. Carmen "Ching" Suva
A grand daughter of Efifanio de los Santos (yes, EDSA), Tita Ching was Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco's successor. She was also the "Mother hen" of the Malacanang press, always, always putting the interest of her wards on top of her list.
When we had some messages (ok, favors) to relay to "Tatay Jess," Tita Ching was our intercessor. I always admired Tita Ching for her motherly care. A career professional, she rose from the ranks starting from a press office staff during the time of President Diosdado Macapagal. In 1992, she was appointed assistant press secretary by FVR until she became press undersecretary, a position she held both during the time of President Erap until she retired a few years ago under President Arroyo.
Tita Ching is a true-blue "PR" practitioner. Even until now, I still seek her help on some PR concerns. She knows everybody in the media industry. That's how huge her network is. But despite that, the woman remained simple, humble, low key. She would share with me some secrets of the trade to build lasting relationships with these people. Actually, the key, she said, is offering people with genuine friendship.
I will never forget our shared experiences. We were together in all the presidential trips of FVR! Oh, how we enjoyed the world, Tita Ching!
She is now VP for marekting and public relations of Manila Bulletin and The Manila Hotel.
8. Renato "Ato" Salud
He was the youngest presidential deputy spokesman of his time. He was only 27 when FVR appointed him in 1992 as the deputy of then presidential spokesperson Annabelle Tecson-Abaya.
A favorite of FVR way back when he was still Defense Secretary of Cory Aquino, Ato was his speechwriter. So, it was Ato who trained me to do speeches and statements (well, some of them) when FVR became president. HE trained me to learn the ways of our boss, especially his thoughts. Soon enough, I was drafting press statements on my own.
Before FVR's term ended, Ato went to Harvard for advance study and eventually joined the corporate world. I was left in the palace, serving the presidency of Estrada and then Arroyo . But I was surprised and touched to learn that even while he hasn't seen me for years, he has actually been looking for opportunities for me. I was surprised one day to receive a call from my present company, inviting me to join if i'm interested. Yes, he was head of Corporate Affairs of our company at that time. And yes, he was instrumental for my eventual regularization.
He initiated me to the corporate world… and for that, I am grateful. Ato is now an expat in Singapore, holding a top regional position in his present company. Godspeed, Ato!
9.The One Who Got Away
It is said that people walk into our lives to teach us a lesson. If this is so, then I consider the "One who got away" one of my greatest life teachers. Through this person, I have discovered my self at its best… as well as my worst. I saw the side of me, which previously I didn't know existed. I was able to see my own demons. Through the One who Got Away, i learned my capacity to LOVE without limits (the best) but through this same person, i also learned what I am capable of doing at my worst (self-destruction). Now, I know better… and I have "The One who Got Away" to thank for…
In am devoting my next entry to the 10th and last person who made a difference in my life. He deserves to have a full blog . *TO BE CONTINUED**
LOVE and TIME
August 28, 2007
I got this beautiful story in my mailbox as i was cleaning it of my old files. Before I deleted this email, i decided that this deserves to be shared… read on! LOVE AND TIME Once upon a time… there was an island where all the feelings lived; happiness, sadness, knowledge, and all the others, including love. One day, it was announced to all of the feelings, that the Island paradise was going to sink to the bottom of the ocean. So all of the individual feelings prepared their boats to leave. Love was the only one that stayed. She wanted to preserve the island paradise until the last possible moment. When the island was almost totally under water, Love decided it was time to leave. She began looking for someone to ask for help. Just then, 'Richness' was passing by in a grand boat. Love asked, "Richness, Can I come with you on your boat?" Richness answered, " I'm sorry, but there is a lot of silver and gold on my boat and there would be no room for you anywhere." Then Love decided to ask 'Vanity' for help, who was passing in a beautiful vessel. Love cried out, "Vanity, help me please." "I can't help you", Vanity said, "You are all wet, and will damage my beautiful boat." Next, Love saw 'Sadness' passing by. Love said, "Sadness, please let me go with you." Sadness answered, "Love, I'm sorry, but, I just Need to be alone now." Then, Love saw 'Happiness'. Love cried out, "Happiness, please take me with you." But Happiness was so overjoyed, that he didn't hear Love calling to him. Love began to cry. Then, she heard a voice say, "Come Love, I will take you with me." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed, that she forgot to ask the elder his name. When they arrived on land the elder went on his way. Love realized how much she owed the elder. Love then found 'Knowledge' and asked, "Who was it that helped me?" "It was Time", Knowledge answered. "But why did Time help me — when no one else would?", Love asked. Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom and sincerity,answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is." ****
