Everytime I reach out to them, I don't feel something has been taken away from me as I give something to them. Instead, I have felt I have gained something even more from these people especially those whom I barely know. I always end up smiling from ear to ear knowing I have changed someone's life that day.
However one February night was different.
GIVING THE PHARMACIST A DOSE OF HER OWN MEDICINE
I've never felt more crushed and sad when I helped out someone until I met this old lady while I was doing my errands last night. My last stop was at the pharmacy to buy my Dad's medicine. I was excited to finish the last task since I planned to reward myself with a mean venti praline frap afterwards.
As always, the Senior Citizen line was taking so long so I entertained myself by listening to other people's orders or conversation. This old lady caught my attention. She looked so frail in her tattered clothes and she was trembling as she was "rudely" accommodated by the short-tempered salesperson. I took pity on the old lady because she was shaking, counting her coins to pay for her medicines. I can't help but overhear her saying she can't afford another tablet since she's short of money. That crushed my heart seeing her so hopeless as she was robbed off with her last tablet. And this rude salesperson wasn't even helping at all with her temper. So without thinking, I interrupted their conversation.
I asked the person from the stall what was the medicine for and how much does it cost her. It broke my heart because here I was itching for a 160-peso coffee drink when this old lady was in near tears because she can't buy all her medicines for the week. Without any hesitation, I asked the salesperson to give the old lady what she needs including the medicines for her grandchild. While waiting for her medicines, I gave her some instructions to go to the OPD of Vicente Sotto Hospital where she got her prescription and ask the doctor to write her a new prescription because what she had was crumpled and torn (I know the pharmacists don't entertain these torn prescriptions). And I told her to go immediately to City Hall for her Senior Citizen ID so she can get her discount the next time she buys her medicines.
It turned out that this old lady is from Mabolo and I was worried of the long trip she would have to make from Fuente. She added that she came from Redemptorist Church to hear mass and ask for alms so she could buy the medicines. I asked about her children but these no-good kids of hers didn't even have the decency to help their mother out. My heart simply went out to her. I can't imagine treating my parents like that after everything they put through just to provide me a good life.
In the middle of our conversation, I was oblivious to the people staring at us as they listened to our conversation. The salesperson came back and told us that one medicine wasn't available anymore, so I gave "Lola" the money and told her to buy from the pharmacy next-door. She was so shocked that I gave her all the medicines she needs and the money. She was in tears thanking me profusely. She told me that she prayed so hard that night in the church that she would get by. So I answered her,
"La, di man jud ta bayaan sa Ginoo. Dili ta tigaan og problema na dili nato kaya. Cge lang, ampo lang jud ta sa Ginoo." (Grandma, the Lord never leaves us. He doesn't give us problems we cannot carry. Let's just continue praying."
When I said those words, I was trying to fight back the tears because I was thinking of how she's going home alone and what will happen to her if she runs out of medicine. To give her more comfort, I patted her shoulder and told her to take care of herself.
Then she disappeared among the crowd in the pharmacy. I thought I would feel better when I helped her out but I felt a heavy load befell on me. So to console myself, I said a short prayer that may God keep her safe and in good health.
HOPE AND HUMILITY IN ONE NIGHT
From the whole experience, it humbled me to no end of how I am so blessed with a comfortable life and yet I kept on whining on such trivial stuffs. I began to look at my life in a positive light that I should be more thankful of what I have now because with the extra blessings that I have, I was able to change someone's life that night. It may not be that grandiose but it was something more meaningful.
That fateful night, I gave her a sense of hope to hang on and in return, she gave me this inner peace and contentment which I've been longing for a long time.
By:
Beverly "Beyee" Caballes
iSTORYAn League of Writers
Beyee is simply living her own version of life's passion. She lives for music, books, poetry and a foodie by heart when it comes to coffee and desserts!
Ed Note: How wonderful it would be if each person does one small act of charity or kindness every day. Wouldn't the world be a better place to be? Think about it. The world is round, you may never know when you would need a simple act of kindess or charity from someone else. So mag iSTORYA Ta (Let's talk), what are certain acts of charity/kindness have you experienced or given lately? Share it here and like Beyee, inspire others and pay it forward.
*For more story sharing, experiences and discussions like this, you may visit our forums--> CLICK HERE FOR HEARTFELT DISCUSSIONS. You can also share your own stories. Email us at articles@istorya.net or visit the Article Mill.
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