Experiences of Care

I
It is really a good and wonderful feeling to be cared for. I remember my most memorable experience of such even when I was yet a child. Both of my parents really cared for me. My mother gave her full attention when I was sick. I didn’t feel lonely because of her presence. At that time my head had so much ache and I nearly had to vomit, but when I called my mother she hurried and with worry she tried to find out what happened to me. When my father arrived, he brought fruits and other delicious food that I might have a good appetite. It was really a deep assurance of affection and care that I find with a great value today at present. At that time, I didn’t have the greatest appreciation of such experience. But today, I feel I was so lucky to have loving and caring parents. Going deeper into my experience, I realize that love is the foundation of care and care is the concrete manifestation of love.
II
Another experience of care was during my summer vacation at home. In our small community, we have a neighbor who is so poor that she could not afford to repair her dilapidated house. The leaders of our community called us the members and asked what possible help that we could do. The community had agreed to contribute whatever amount and scheduled a time during which we could gather to work hand in hand in repairing the house. There was a great joy that I noticed on our poor neighbor. I considered it as a very pleasing experience to have contributed for the welfare of others no matter how small my contribution was. By the fact that it was a collective effort, the value of such action has become great. Even if I was just somewhat at the background, I feel contented because I became aware of the love and concern manifested by my neighbors. I see in them a loving and caring community.
III
During my formation in the college seminary, there was a time when we are sent to the parishes for vocation and parish aid campaign. In one instance of my assignment, I met a priest whom I have not seen for some seven years past. I thought he would not remember my name because he is already old and I had no close association with him. But to my great surprise when I approached him and kissed his hand he was able to mention my name. When we gathered around the table for dinner, he introduced me to the parish priest and recalled my previous occupation and profession. I felt my importance then when I was appreciated. And it was an experience of recognizing my identity and dignity which sometimes were just taken for granted. I have also reflected that there were times I could hardly remember a certain person, thus through my experience I recognized how important it is to do such thing not just to recognize but more importantly to augment one’s dignity and eventually giving meaning to the life of the person.