By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
We have come this far. Yes, in our 60s or 70 we have come quite far. We have matured enough if not already about to board the plane to the Great Beyond. No regrets. As one elderly in the hospital answered a visiting relative, “I’m fine already. Am feeling great. At my ripe old age I was able to overcome this last health challenge. There is so much to thank for. So let us have a family thanksgiving. Notify your uncles, aunties and other elders.”
After a day, in high spirits, he was discharged from the hospital. The thanksgiving was held. A few animals were butchered and a good time was had by all bantering with everyone about the good old times. Two days later, that elderly breathed his last.
What a great way to go. He did it with clarity and awareness.
But visiting should not only to say goodbye, permanently. People who went through difficult times, even near death, start to see life flickering again when familiar faces come around. More so when these are those you spent your jolly times.
So, this last Friday I was so glad some friends way back in college decided to come a visiting. We found a way to fit ourselves in my small office which small-time criminals can easily find comfortable. Nothing flashy. Just a place where stories can be told and hot pandesal can be munched as you sip coffee or tea.
After so many decades we recalled the stupidities we did in college. The insecurities or inferiority complexes we had to overcome. The sufferings and humiliation we endured. From which we became a lot better. Grudgingly, we had to accept.
After an hour or two, it was time to part ways. While it was unsaid, we realized there are more years for us to live and negotiate. That is what a visit from old friends does. While my friends who came looked a lot healthier than I was, I would like to believe I can still be useful a few more years. Why not a lot more years? Well, there is that possibility.
For those of our generation, visiting is not only to say goodbye, permanently. It should also be to enjoy some good time sipping coffee or tea, putting aside all the cares of the world. You end up laughing. In the end, you feel rejuvenated.**
