By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
I am giving way to the comment of Renato Yaranon Sanedrin, my fraternity brod in San Fernando, La Union on my article last week entitled “Putang Ina!” It was taking stock of my life at 70 and I have nothing to show for it, hence the title. Here is the comment in toto:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATTYBROD!
Like you, I’ve been on this planet for 7 decades with not even a book, some achievement, or a game-changing invention to my credit. Taking stock of my life, however, I have no regrets if only for the fact that I left government service with dignity and pride intact after 40 years of struggling to raise a family, build a house courtesy of Pag Ibig and remain afloat year in and year out on a meager pay including mid- and year-end bonuses! Who knows, had Math not been my Waterloo, I could have become an engineer and probably ended up with unexplained wealth tied with ghost projects? But, by Providence, God guided me to a road seldom taken and I almost became a lawyer had I not been offered a managerial position which due to economic reasons I found more tempting and practical that time the first child came along. Now, at 70, I harbor no regrets for the road I did take, for who knows, as a lawyer I could have been a legislator with unli perks and privileges either by being friends (with benefits) with contractors and district engineers or being a contractor myself (with a dummy, of course!). Then, I could have accumulated all kinds of luxury vehicles, live in mansions in Manila, Baguio and Tagaytay and travel in places I only see in magazines and movies whenever Congress takes a break! And probably my children would not have struggled going to local schools and graduating from unknown colleges and universities! But, as I’ve said, at 70, I’m happy for what I am, being able to sleep soundly every night, secured with thoughts of how I lived and survived by being true to myself and that my kids are now grown-ups pursuing their own hard-earned professions as a nurse, a physician, a firefighter, a convenience store manager, a soon-to-be flight attendant and (hopefully) a pilot! While two are still in secondary schools, they’ve shown a promise of academic excellence which is another reason for thanking Our Creator. What matters, therefore, is not how much wealth we accumulate including all its attendant perks and freebies, but more importantly, how we live, love and share whatever there is to spare with others!
Incidentally, according to my balut vendor friend, who claims to be adept at reading lips, Alex Eala did not say that cuss word but “muntikan na” as she didn’t expect the dropshot. This could be valid owing to her being demure to be uttering expletives and that she glanced at her parents when she said it! There!
Well, said brod. Thank you very much. Many years from now, when you will cross the Great Divide, you will end up in that much better place. Hopefully, I am suffering enough (dialysis and all) in payment of my sins so I will merit going to where you will go and we will meet each other there. There is hope as I did not become a flood control contractor.**
