ABC STARS Inspires

Sadly, in times of war, people with disabilities are the first ones to be discarded. That is a fact! I have been writing about people with disabilities; the blind, the deaf, the mute, people without limbs, although not comprehensively. Yet. Why? Because I myself have a disability. I never pull that Disability Card here in my hometown lest I would be beheaded. The law protects us as it is written. However, narrow-minded people would state that I should not be included in that minority group because I come from a moderately privileged family. It is crazy, psychotic, delusional that they would do that. People without disabilities will never understand what my brothers and sisters in the People with disabilities group are suffering as they go on with their lives. If I don't tell people that I have a disability, they would never know, however, if I do tell them then they are surprised in disbelief. People have taken advantage of me because of my disability. Bu

We will only realize the value of someone or something until that someone or something is already gone. Yes, a poignant lesson we should like to learn early on to spare ourselves of regrets in the end. At first, we may feel angry or confused but if we try to put ourselves in the shoes of that someone or maybe try to fathom the disappearance of that something, then we could understand why. Cliché as it may sound, everything happens for a reason. Yes, Sir. Never take the matter personally, as always, it is not our business. It is a natural human phenomenon. And oftentimes, an act of God. But by chance or more so a blessing, it may even be one in a billion, that the person comes back and explains to you the grand scheme of the jigsaw puzzle—then, hopefully —you will be comforted, be reassured, and the dark clouds will be dissipated. Hence, you are no longer in the dark. Illumination . In the final analysis, people will go through these five stages: denial, anger,

Brandon received a call from Elizabeth, his cousin, he was still sleepy. It was Christmas Day. Liz told him that their Uncle Ron had a massive heart attack and died at 3:00 a.m. at the hospital. Brandon was somber. His Uncle died at the ripe age of 92 years old. He thought it was his time.

I i dare to question Thee! why? why him? the glint in his father's eye the laughter in his mother's heart? could such a loss be still a part of what they tell me is Thy will ---senseless then and senseless still? and why at such a tender age? the curtains were just up the stage, why should the play be abruptly ended without being comprehended? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! i ask the reason ---though they tell me that it's treason--- for this senseless, pointless loss! II unanswered doubts of yesterday though still unanswered, pass away; and tears, long dried up, leave a reign of quiet grief, unquestioning pain; and thoughts, though poignant still, must turn from out the hopeless, searing yearning for lost joys, to him---his joys. would he, had he his mortal voice tell us from beyond this shore: "mission accomplished!"? why say more? ah mortal that i am, because i'm mortal still! is this the reason why

He rests. A man blessed of the Lord! He lived till two moons short of ninety-four. Sworn to peace, his spoken word Will ring throughout our nation, nevermore! His name lives on --- in his progeny: Children, nine, grandchildren forty-eight, Great-grandchildren, twenty-nine --- for he Was a just man. A father to emulate. Esteemed by all who know him, friend or foe, He loved his country with utmost dedication And served his people well though high or low. His greatness now belongs to all the nation.           He lived to see rewarded, his work most dear!           Why shouldn't he rest, grinning from ear to ear? *Oragon, July 1992 photo credit: Old Man by the Sea via photopin (license) License: (license)

Engineer Hermenegildo Almonte Carpio with family Papa prepared for his journey long ago. At ninety, few of his peers were still around. Only his great-grandchildren did not know, They were so young, he longed to be homeward bound! Often, he would get lonely and would weep And tell his daughter and his eldest's wife He missed Mama! No other love so deep And true had he. All through their wedded life. July fifteenth, Sunday, at eventide, His eldest grandchild was going to visit him. Her two-year-old, sleeping by her side, Awoke - aroused by Lolo? by cherubim? --- And said: "WALA NA SI LOLO! KINUHA NA NI JESUS CHRIST!" Beyond reason or ryhme, 'Twas when his heart stopped beating. Pahinga na. Home with God! Beyond the bounds of time! 15 August 1990

Why do people die? They just do, that's all All I know it's your personal belief People choose what they want to hear What is the reason behind a fallen leaf? It just withers, that's all Mother Nature plays it by ear We must listen with our heart and soul Who decides when, where and how? If you believe in God that's Who... When? any minute, any hour, any day How? it's the moment's call and anywhere... My gratitude, I was not in need of answers I waited for heaven's call from a Friendly Voice The silence echoed the looming emptiness But Your Light illuminated the dark void photo credit: Touch It via photopin (license) License: (license) photo credit: Fun with Christmas Lights I via photopin (license) License: (license)

Captured light in a crimson core A few fading bursts of laughter Slow whispers of supplication Please spare his life, my petition Flickering against the angel's wings His destiny in the hands of the Prince A release of high heaven's sigh Why could I not say goodbye? In the silence of the room I tremble The emptiness make me stumble I called out your name hoping That maybe if I keep looking But the unseen can't be undone Your presence is never gone Hope is but what remains Faith springs after the rains July 19, 2015 photo credit: In the rain via photopin (license) License: (license)

"Death is not extinguishing a light "But putting out a lamp for dawn has come!" A light kept burning all throughout the night For dawn comes, soon or not so soon for some. All thru the twilight, Papa was by your side Until the moment that your soul ascended. For fifty-one years you were his beloved bride; "Goodbye my love!" he sighed, when the vigil ended. 'Twas the feast of our Lady's apparition To Bernadette at Lourdes, 'Twas dawn! For you! Ah morn of life unending! Unprismed vision Of God in Love's eternal rendezvous!         Remember us who bear the pilgrim's pain!         O Mama, pray for us still we meet again! February, 1982 photo credit: Pink Dawn via photopin (license) License: (license)