By Jan Vicente ‘JV’ B. Pekas

typhoon.”
Even if for a fleeting moment, the peaking light in the late days of the week was a pleasing sight. After several days filled with cold rain, cold mornings, and cold nights, a bit of sun reveals a melancholic sight. Streets in our area were filled with leaves, sticks and all things that could not resist the strong winds. Walkways would be areas of caution especially when the green moss have spread so far.
The momentary light was welcome, but it was only momentary. Just as we thought that the sun had returned, late noon proved to remain with the status quo, the harsh rain and winds were not done just yet.
Like many others who experienced frequent and seemingly jester-like timing blackouts, the areas outside of the city were not spared of total darkness. All of a sudden, the importance of power banks and candles were paramount. Anyone without them would be hitting themselves why they had forgotten to buy them earlier.
Any child in this country would eventually learn the importance of preparing for these storms. Though their eyes may look toward new areas, we are taught of their tails that continue rains and harsh winds. To get through these times would require adequate preparations.
When these storms arrive, however, no amount of preparations can help a family sit without fear or concern. The howling sound of the wind, the noisy rain, both are painful to the ears and can erase any defense mounted against them.
We do what we can despite the strength of mother nature.
There is also the fixing of whatever the storm had damaged and cleaning up all the vegetations small enough to be carried by wind. Heavy tasks still await many of us despite the eventual passing of the typhoon.
For generations to come, they too will experience what we have experienced. Stronger typhoons will arrive in the future and the young will have to learn from what is already happening to have a chance of surviving what will eventually happen.
Crises may befall countries but the values of a nation remain strong. With our location, it is already pounded in our heads that all must prepare in more ways than one to face several storms in a single year. It is imprinted in our blood that candles must always be stocked, and every person fortify what they can around the house.
The days we get with sunshine and fresh air are but delaying months for the inevitable storms. In days of peace and calmness, we know that they are times not only to enjoy before rains arrive, but to prepare and muster for calamities. This discipline is bitter earned but they save lives.
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