Just a meter away

He was there…and I am here…just a meter away.

He was tall and darkened by the heat of the sun from his daily trove in the fields of Tampakan just to earn the living for his family. Until, one day with no expectations he was arrested and led to where his house now – the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center. He is one of the more than 800 boarders of the said center. His name was Mang amando. A grandfather to his grandaugther from his only son. He said he was boarded in the institution for not complying to a contract.

He was there…and I am here…just a meter away still. But, I just felt the presence of a father so alone, so weakened by days and weeks and months of longing for his loved ones. I felt the love of a friend from this stranger I just know. He confided me the things that is happening in the center as if I am that trustworthy to keep his little secrets. With these, I realized we are the same. He is still a man and not some mischievous monster ready to devour the flesh of mine which I adore as so pure and precious than theirs. How proud I am as I enter the center. But, how ashamed I am as I bid them farewell for they seem to be more human. For they pose true signs of hope in the Lord in which mine a hiprocrisy of stage plays.

Simply as our time to depart comes to a close, he gave me his little flower made of drinking straw. At no cost he gave me this little treasure in where he live up his life now. I in turn took it and appreciated it feeling ashamed for not doing my part of bringing something for him. I apologized for not bringing something but then he expressed himself consoling me:  “What is important my son is your presence and your visit.”

He was there…and I am here…just a meter away still…but I can feel my heart beating for the heart of this saint. This saint of conversion.