Of Life, Death and Heroism

How many of us can do what Muelmar Magallanes did? He was able to save 30 lives just before he was devoured by the raging flood waters during the epic flood that hit Manila and the neighboring towns, and cities.

This made me ponder for a while. While I lived within the confines of my comfortable home, someone was busy saving lives. He had already saved the lives of his family. He was able to take them across to safety. He could have stopped. But he did not. This 18 year old construction worker went back to save more lives, the lives of his neighbors. With strong will and determination, he swam back and forth across the raging flood water just to see to it that his neighbors and their children were all safe. Not thinking about his own safety, he brought the 30th flood victim across. Then he was swept away by the furious flood water. His lifeless body was found later and is now lying in state at one of the evacuation centers.

His act of heroism is really something that I should think about. What he did was real LOVE. He just showed us all what real unconditional love is all about. This is the love that Jesus spoke of when he said love thy neighbors. This is truly what is meant by LOVE --- not thinking about yourself, putting others' before your own concerns, up to a point where you puts his life on the line for the benefit of the greater good.

This really made me feel guilty because many times, I put myself first before others. I do not want to compromise my own comfort, much more, my own safety.

While I worry about little things, and complain about the leaky roof over my head, out there in Luzon, millions have no decent roof above their heads. While I complain at times that the water from the faucet doesn't give out enough water for me to take a bath, there are millions in Luzon who ironically have no potable water to drink while they wallow in fear in the midst of 20 feet of murky flood water, no telephone connections, no electrical power and practically nothing to eat.

While I worry about insect bites, painful back, and exhaustion from working in the office and doing little household chores, like doing the dishes, feeding the dogs, etc..., here is one virtually unknown person who rose above the blues and died while doing great service for others. Shame on me!

Well, let this serve as an eye opener, not only, for me, but for others as well. I really hope that one day, I could also do my little share for others. But for now, I still could not imagine if I could do what that 18 year old Muelmar Magallanes did. One day, I hope, I could do what he did. And if ever death overpowers me while doing such act, maybe, just maybe, I could say, that I have LIVED not simply existed --- my death was a meaningful one. And if this happens, I think, there will be no sad songs for me, no tears shed, no grief shared.