Shadowy Reflections
"Be not afraid of your own shadow," my Papa would often say, "for all you know, it could well be your guardian angel, walking behind you." These words will never leave me, I know, for they are constant reminders of a youth well spent… with a father always willing to share an anecdote or two about his own growing up years pre-WWII. As a child, I was afraid of anything black, dark or brooding. I was afraid of eerie unlit corners…I was afraid of nooks where I had to grope my way about. But then again, looking back, there were more times Papa would send me to such places than times I’d try to stay away. Being the youngest, I always had the longest list of household errands, including crawling under the house to gather eggs neatly stashed away by Papa’s so-called "pets." It was either I got tricked into it or I simply learned the value of trust that early. Come to think of it, simply hearing Papa’s voice from behind, calmly calling out instructions and patiently beaming my way with his trusty flashflight, was more than enough to banish my fears. In fact, to this day, simply reliving any of Papa’s vignettes, quotable quotes or even his random talks, would send me surges of courage and valour, enough to make me face whatever adversity lies ahead. He’s been through so much in his life and though he’s been weathered by time, he remains strong and beaming with a good 82 years of hard-earned wisdom. Today, as I wade through the corral-floored shores of his hometown, I no longer fear my own shadow. Instead, I smile, nostalgic and all, as I can hear him saying…. "Go on my brave girl…. face life and everything it has to offer…" Advanced Happy Birthday Papa! From your little girl who will never lose the pride of having been born into the "Natividad" clan of Bani, Pangasinan.
2005.05.08 (reposted)
