HAPPINESS

“Being noble is not being superior to your fellow men. True nobility is being superior to your former self.” – Ernest Hemmingway

I consider myself as a late bloomer. Late in the sense that I got married at the age of 28, had a kid at the age of 34, and I still have a daughter who is in grade four. Yes, a late bloomer at that. My colleagues married early; some have sons and daughters who have already graduated; some have grandchildren too. My eldest daughter graduated already and she is still single. I was so happy when she graduated. Much more when she passed the board and finished her Master's Degree. Even more when she started teaching. But when I retired, she also resigned from her teaching post; and worked in a government agency as a contractual employee. The zenith of my happiness was when she became permanent in a reputable government agency recently. What a joy.

My worry is my youngest daughter. She is sweet, loving and caring. She even said once, when she was still in Grade One, “Dad, aalagaan ko kayo ni Mommy pagtanda niyo,” (I will take care of you and Mom when you grow old) her innocent words brought tears to my eyes. Remorse of early retiring from the Academe hit me. Will I still be of help to her after retiring? I can picture myself guest lecturing, and even selling Natasha and be applying as a consultant to a politician I know just to earn a living because there is no real money in teaching. Counting the years I spent teaching, which is 25 years, it is optional retirement. I love teaching. I only despised a former student of mine who, when she became the Dean, in due time has flared all hell’s wrath on me for no known reasons. I love the institution, but I hated the way they process promotion.

I was depressed for a week, until out of the blue, an invitation came from DA, asking me to lecture their employees on News Writing and Feature Writing. Still anxious, I accepted the two-day stint. I needed the cash; I haven’t yet received my retirement pay.

March 31, 2016, was my last day in USL. But while close friends and fellow professors were waiting, I was lecturing at the Department of Agriculture. I prepared well for the lecture. I was introduced to Dr. Freddie Corsino, who introduced me to the Regional Executive Director, Director Jun Alviar.

I was surprised when they made an offer: they need someone who can write. Yes, I would only supervise press releases and the newsletter. I was overwhelmed. The following week, they asked me to submit my papers.

I couldn’t contain my joy. I was in limbo, and here is a blessing easing my desperation. But then, they called me the following week again. They informed me that I can’t be on board yet, because of election ban. But then, since they have to obligate the remaining funds, all I have to do would be to train the different staff on topics needed. I submitted my proposals, which they approved. I was then busy for the months of April, May, and June. Finally, July 1, I was hired. It seems I was floating in the air when I went home that July afternoon. I was wondering if: well, men were viewing Armstrong when he walked on the moon. Is the Almighty also watching me as I drive home?

Happiness could come in many forms. I am happy because aside from teaching, writing is also a passion I keep so silently in my heart. I arrived home, and my youngest daughter ran to meet me. I held the dainty, little hands, for eternity.