Karama, Darwin, Australia
A beautiful day, yet someone had to ruin it for me. While waiting for the bus, one lady ask me how long I've been in Australia. The typical question often comes from someone who are new in Darwin.
She started talking about their life in the Philippines.. Comparing everything around her in Darwin to Philippines way of life. I just listen. I am wondering where the conversation leading to. She ask how long I've been in Darwin. Told her...28 years I am in Darwin.
The next thing, she ask me "do you have a house? do you have a car?e what other property you have now"? Gosh! I was so amazed!
For a moment, I told myself don't bother to answer. Not worth. But she ask me again. So to stop her from being so nag, I reply..."No I don't have any of those you've mentioned". She look at me wide eyed and said "What you mean? You are here 28 years ago, yet you own nothing."
I said to her 'Darling, just because I am that long here in Darwin, doesn't mean I can have all those material things you've mentioned. You see, I was a Carer for 20 years, didn't had a chance to get a permanent job. I've looked after my husband for it was the right thing to do. Getting a permanent job wasn't an option. Helping the family back home in the Philippines, helping sending nephews and nieces to school in order that they can have a better future. My luxury wasn't the priority in life of all those years. My husband and I live in a public housing and we are blessed with it. Car I don't have any more because it was needed to be sold in order that my late husband can have a taxi voucher. When he died, I can't afford to buy another car. And lastly, my most possession in Life is my Life, and I THANK GOD FOR MY LIFE EVERY DAY".
"But, why, didn't you buy a house." she insisted..."Oh girl, I don't have that money." I replied. The bus is arriving at that point of time...thanks goodness for the bus saving me from further personal questions of material things....
My decisions made yesteryears ago and up to now....I believe was and is the right decision(s). Today and every day I am Blessed...As long as I have a roof over my head, and in good health as well as my family is all that is I needed for the day. I don't have wants, even before...all I need is what I need for the day, and I KNOW GOD LOVES AND LOOKS AFTER US EVERY MINUTE OF LIFE.
As I grow old(er) nothing is important to me than LOVE OF THE FAMILY, MIKE AND FRIENDS...LOVE IS PRICELESS....
to all my followers and readers...thank you so much for dropping by...
ReplyDeletewith my love, i wish all the very best of life could offer.
Enjoyed reading this piece. So many are in the grip status anxiety. I'm glad to read your reaction to this kind of thinking. Life is short and there's plenty to keep us busy in this life without obsessing about accumulating material stuff. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDelete@David J...thank you so much for your nice comments.
ReplyDeletecheers.