By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
The engine and all its attachments were on a cart it was laid on several months ago. From Manila, it was unloaded there for me to sort some small stuff before dropping it into the engine bay of a waiting SUV. Some work was also needed in the body but should not be a problem.
The chain-block, the mechanism used to hoist and unload the engine, was also there beside it. Some grasses started to grow on its sides. It could end up fully covered by greeneries had I not become strong enough to go out to the yard and have a look-see.
For right after the engine was brought up, I had been practically sick. It ended up in my being sentenced to undergo dialysis which is continuing. After a few months, the effects will be evaluated if my kidneys were saved. It was a valiant effort to accomplish that.
So here I am slowly trying to pick up the pieces of my life. While I am now reduced to just a bag of skin and bones as many dialysis patients become, I am not losing hope.
As the chain-block and engines turned out to be still intact despite the almost total invasion of grasses, I hope, still am.
My sorry state started during my student days in the college of law. I was studying full time and also trying to become a business-man. For somebody with no capital, that required being more than full time. The sleepless nights got me hooked into energy drinks to cope with the demand for sleepless nights. Even when I started working, the energy drinks continued and strong coffee got even added to the mix.
The result, high blood that I ignored. Over time, it got my kidneys and my heart.
I thought I was already on the road to recovery, when last December I got afflicted with diarrhea. In the village where I grew up, that thing just disappeared after sometime. I thought it would happen that way. But then it would become OK, only to come back again after a few days. For two months it had been coming back. Then when I went for consultation, I had to go through dialysis.
Well, it is a part of life to go through things, like diseases. Should be a part of growing old. Others become permanently bed-ridden. That was my greatest fear. Still is.
As to dying, then when the time comes, it comes. Not really that scary, like becoming bed-ridden. Death might even be good to settle the mystery as to what is waiting for us. Heaven or hell?
Meantime, I will continue to try and pick up the pieces of my life. As to what will come next, we will see.
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