Teacher therapy

It’s feels so good to be remembered, and I am now overflowing with joy and gratitude.

Last December 13, I was invited to the high school reunion of my former high school students and the original members of the Codez Band Bai, the keyboardist; Harold, the vocalist; Jinky, the drummer; Mike, the lead guitarist;  and Vanny, the bassist.  I never realized that it would be such a fun experience.  But more than having fun, I realized a lot of things in my being a teacher. 

Let me tell you a little story about this four guys who made an impact on me that night:  Fifiteen years ago, the four of them graduated from high school.  Back then, they put up a band and they actually were the ones who started that culture in their school.  As their teacher and student council adviser, I was with them all throughout, from their rehearsals to their performances.  Maybe I believed in their talents, but my going with them to every rehearsal was more of making sure that the were safe.   They were only high school boys then, so I knew my responsibility was tremendous. 

Fast forward to 15 years after:  In November, I received a message from Bai in one of my social netwok accounts that I am invited on December 13 for their performance.  I was a bit hesitant at first, but due to his insistence I chose to go.  Who wouldn’t agree after being told “we really want you to be around, and see your boys perform again.”  So there I went, and when I saw them, my heart leapt!  I realized how much I miss them.  I could not believe that all four of them are already such grown-ups!  I felt so elated to see that they have grown to be fine gentlemen.  What more!  Their music have also grown mature.  Though they did not change their repertoire, they way they performed that night was different from what they were 15 years ago!  Before they went up on stage, I could feel their how tensed they were.  They even told me, “Miss, whatever happens, you would still love us ha.” :-)  And of course, I assured them of my unwavering support.  They are still my students whom I have loved since fifteen years ago. 

Few minutes after their performance, they brought me home (read: 1am).  I never wanted to go home yet, but I sensed that they wanted to have their “boys’ night out”.  So I was brought home indeed, and that night I couldn’t sleep.  I found myself looking for the album which has pictures of the first time they performed.  I got myself tired of looking at those pictures and finally laid down smiling till I fall asleep.

The following morning, I recalled the experience and I was so overwhelmed.  I thought my being a teacher is now complete.  Indeed, being remembered and loved by former students is one of the most priceless gifts.  No amount of words can fully describe how I am feeling up to this moment. 

Thank you very much Bai, Harold, Jinky, Mike and Vanny.  I will forever treasure you. You may view more photos here.

The Codez Band Reunion.  December 13, 2008.

I arrived on December 10, 2008, 1am from HongKong.  I was at the last flight of PAL.  When I got home, I went bed right away because I was feeling bad.  I am not used to HK’s cold temperature.

 I went on a half-day to work the following day, and that night we had our Christmas Party.  When I got home, I was surpised to see this envelope on my side table:

This envelope contains the letter of my nine-year-old niece for me.  She intended to send this letter when I was in HK. She was just discouraged by her Kuya, so she did not go on sending this thru snail mail.  Instead, she only waited till I come home. 

 What is touching about this gesture is the content of this envelope that goes: 

This moment in life is so priceless.  I feel so elated, and I am so proud of my niece.  She has always been like that to me.  She’s a sweet young girl, indeed!

Jomelle, the author of the letter.

Again I lost track. 

I was not able to write a single entry for the whole month of November.  Why? November is my busiest month for so many reasons. 

1. At work, it is the budget season.  Speaking of budget, I am poor at that, not to mention the fact that I am so poor with numbers.  Dealing with numbers is my petpeeve!  I am just so grateful that I am done with my budget defense.
2. Personally, I am busy going here and there for the so many November activities this year.
3. Most of all, I had the tendency to feel “low” in November of this year.  I am missing my favorite person on Earth who was born during this month.   Yes.  My father was born on the 6th of November. 

Now, I am back

. 

My youngest brother, Neil.  He is the look-alike of our father.  July 2008.