by Abraham de la Torre
LEX STOPPED WORKING his laptop and turned his attention to me, “Dad, do you know of a civic group that has children as its basic concern?” My response was insta-matic (instant and automatic, with apologies to Kodak), “Sacred Heart Center.” And I explained briefly that it is an institution that cares for and educates children with special needs, run by Guanellian nuns and an apostolate of the Legion of Mary (of which Sis Gelly and I are members) where we are assigned to visit periodically in support of the school’s musical therapy for the kids. “That’s it!” he exclaimed and thanked me for what, for him, has been weeks of exhausting all possible prospects to no avail.
He is a member of “Let’s Volt In,” or LVI, an altruistic movement among toy afficionados who collect Minimates, Robots and 1/6th Scale items. Their group’s name was the battlecry of the famous robots Voltes V, an anima series in the late 70s. LVI members visit children who are poor and sick wherever they are situated and give them joy, toys, comic books (another collection that spawned the minimate facsimiles of comic super heroes) and engage them in parlor games where it is feasible for the kids to participate. Bahay Aruga, last year, was where they celebrated Lex’s 35th birth anniversary with kids who were stricken with cancer.
I could immediately tell Lex thrived in the exercise. He did not only eagerly look forward to it, he was up early on the appointed day (Nov. 29) despite staying up late the night before. I did not fail to notice his outline of the program of activities on his birthday treat. It was supposed to be a family endeavour, with two of his Voltmates, Gerard and Froilan, in tow. But my wife Myrna had to see to an urgent thing at her production house so begged off; that left the threesome of him, his younger brother Aesop and me to do the deed without her. But before we took off, Myrna put in her contribution, dialed Jollibee’s number and placed an order of lunch packets for 40. Aes drove his Kuya’s car and took us to the supermarket to pick up the bottles of water equivalent to the solid food. No soda was Lex’s strict regimen for the children’s well-being.
The appointed time was 9:30. We got there before the dot. Sr. Eleonor, the school principal, was on the grounds, saw us and greeted us as warmly as usual. I introduced her to my sons. Then the children emerged from the second-story classrooms and proceeded to the covered open area that served as the center’s function hall. Sis Gelly came a breath ahead of Lex’s two gentleman-fellows. Brief introductions while teacher Apol and the center staff situated the children and then the place was ready for that day’s activity.
I introduced Alex to the kids, told them why he and we were there, called on Aes next and then Lex’s comrades-in-collection. There was a brief exchange of smiles before I asked the children to stand up to join me in the action-prayer “Beautiful,” after which, I gave the microphone to Alex for him to get the ball rolling.
Our family bonding time had been few and far between. Myrna is figuratively married to her firm. When Alex is not an account executive, he’s into comics and toy conferences or mountaineering with fellow climbers. Aesop assists his Mom in the production business. When I’m not writing, I fill my retirement hours with spiritual company, conversation and conviviality. Mostly with Legion of Mary and PREX brethren. The few outings that our meager weekends together could afford are memorable because packed with games and laughter. Games like Taboo which are replicated with friends who take to the fun like fish to its habitat. Games that are rife with quality, sober mirth and true-blue hilarity.
Alex connecting with the kids was a scene I’ve already imagined, like seeing me in him, in the sessions where Sis Gelly and I ministered music to the kiddults. Lex used a prop similar to what she and I employ, his heart whose aim was to serve and share.
Aes, not a crowd person, was in the van with Gerad and Froilan, repacking the stuff that would put the sun on the faces of their receivers.
Fun and music and laughter were the dominant attributes that morning. As the kids lined up to join “Fill the Missing Lyric,” “Trip to Jerusalem,” “Bring Me,” “Statue Dance” and “Longest Holiday Greeting.” More fun and music and laughter filled the air as the children gamely wove their way into the challenges, the canned music started and stopped, and smiles turned into collective laughter. Gerard assumed the game master’s role with equal ability. If it was a thrill to watch the children go, it was a delight to see them glow. As they received the prizes for each accomplished feat. Virginia must agree that it doesn’t take December to be Christmassy.
Jollibee is a perennial reason why children are easy to please. We distributed the packed lunches to the kids and watched their well-behaved demeanor. From sitting properly, to eating silently, while clutching their treasured trophies. While they ate, Sr. Eleonor gave Alex and his collector friends a tour of the classrooms.
Towards the activity’s end, Teacher Apol led the children in a thanksgiving psalm followed by a closing prayer. A group photo op ensued.
The LVI gave the left-over prizes to the school. The so-longs were hopeful, lingering and gladness-laden.
I wanted to make the next day a breather and so hugged the bed until my back got sore and protested. I decided to skip the annual general reunion of the legion for economic reasons. That would not be so. Sis Rhea texted the message that they were waiting for me. As terse and tight as her otherwise parient personality would allow. I chose not to argue with a revered leader of a group I hold dear. While getting ready, I justified that at least I’ll record the event and that’s it. Something inside of me was still holding me back but I tuned it out.
The exchange of gifts was in progress when I got there. Good. I have an excuse to not join it because I was going to take pictures, was I not. It was also the culminating part of the program so my participation was no longer necessary. Although Sis Rhea managed to squeeze in that their group singing left a little to be desired. I quipped a quick, sincere apology to that.
Lunch was announced after the Curia Head appreciated the presence and participation of all the praesidia. Familiar faces from PREX and San Jose ang Tagapagtanggol Parish either offered food or invited me to join their table. I returned their graciousness with grace.
The parting was not tinged with Shakesperean sorrow. Because it was another early Christmas celebration. Cause enough to rejoice. And the stories soared as each legionary told another of “O what fun it is to bond with Mary’s soldiers blue!”
I remembered I have a tutorial tomorrow. Days before, I met friends on the road telling me my students are all doing exceptionally well without their mentor. But this particular one is entering an interpretative reading competition and his mother wanted me to coach her son. I certainly smiled my agreement.
I was equally determined that I’ll teach him every trick in the book to make sure he doesn’t mispronounce any word. Because, in spite of some sadnesses, a little lack of provisions, a slip here and an error there, losing big and winning small, God remains good. And that is Christmasufficient reason to thank Him in any and all circumstances.
