Helping In The Way That I Can

I barely slept last night. Still worried that my partner isn't home yet, I can't relax. We were watching TV the whole night, texting friends and family - checking on them.

We planned to go to our relatives' houses that are already accessible and help. My dad, sister and I bought some grocery items, packed them and delivered them. We saw how much damage Ondoy made to their homes and properties. It is very heartbreaking.

 

Shots taken by my cousins from Marikina

Shots taken by my cousin from Paranaque

 Outside the Provident Villages via N78

When we got home, I was relieved to see my partner there - showered and fresh, yet full of mini-bruises and scratches. He hugged me and our son tight, and told us that he never thought that the extent of the damage caused by Ondoy was that much until he started walking along Marcos Highway.

He recounted what he went through since the early morning of Saturday. He even saw our high school classmate with her sister and dad walking along the road. When they exchanged greetings, our classmate told him that her mom died from panic attack (I will still verify the exact cause of death) when the water started to rise in their home. It was only the day after that they were able to take her mom's body out of the house, with the help of friends and relatives.

That night while having dinner, I felt a deeper appreciation for what I have and from what I have been spared of. I pray that God bless us all and that He give us strength and faith to help us through this adversity.

Edited: September 30, 2009 - We went to the wake of our classmate's mom earlier. Though it wasn't a good time to have a reunion, I am happy to see our friends safe from harm.