Oh Maria

My father died on Sunday morning.

We weren’t close, he lived in the Philippines where I was born.  Amongst his many occupations, translator, diplomat, professor, sociologist, etc - was journalist.  For nearly 20 years he had written a regular weekly column for a national newspaper.  It was subscription only to view and I had never bothered.  I changed my mind after I found out he was gone.  One of his last columns was entitled Near Death Ruminations.

“I will pass away and the last who will have memories of me, assuming a normal life expectancy, is Lakan Uhay, our nine-year-old only son. I will be forgotten. I will just be a name to the children of all my children. This is the reality. And now I accept it. I do not fight it. Not anymore. To an ephemeral wisp, that suffices.

The acceptance sans bitterness is gradually energized by the resolve to consolidate and strengthen my present core-relationships: my wife, Joycie, my children, my very few but very caring friends - Mayita, Jackie, Vita, Joji, Linc, Romy, and Tikoy. I must keep them in my heart and mind always. I must make our relationship vibrant. To make them happy. To share my life with them and theirs with mine. That is more than enough.

Perhaps in the end, this is a way of conquering Death and triumphing over Life.”

I wish I did not have to read this at work.  I wish we had spoken this year.  In the end, I find myself alone, wishing.

Is there a moral conscience in NYC?

Last night I came home to find a woman knocking frantically on my apartment door. I was a little confused and scared because she was absolutely frantic. I’ve rarely seen friends and family that panicked, let alone a stranger.

I’m so sorry! But….I need help! I’m so sorry!
Umm, it’s ok! What’s wrong?

Her hair was a mess, there were tears falling down her face in torrents - but she didn’t look like someone to be worried about. She looked, and was dressed like, a typical working class Brooklyn mom whose world had fallen to pieces. The words whizzing in my head were FIRE MUGGING RAPE.

I….I….

The door opened, my downstairs neighbor appeared.

Do you live here too!

He shrugged and nodded, as bewildered as I was.

I live down the street, my name is Janine - I’m so sorry but I need help and I don’t know where to go. I was mugged a few days ago, I had to cancel all of my cards and they’re coming in the mail - but my daughter is coming out from the hospital. They say they won’t release her unless I have money. I’m so sorry!! I’ve lived here for thirty years, but the people keep changing and moving and I don’t know any neighbors anymore. Please, I’ll cook you dinner, I have my wedding ring if you want to hold it as collateral, anything.

The neighbor and I stood there, not knowing what to say as she convulsed into sobs. Eventually:

How much?
24 dollars.

We looked at each other and each took out 12 dollars. We refused to take her jewelery, but did take both her cell and home number because she insisted. We told her to keep warm, and get home safe, and wished her luck.

I guess I’m going to call her tonight and check up - not for the money, just to see if she’s okay.
Even if it was all a ruse to get money, I couldn’t care less. Although, I really don’t think it was.

YES!

Colin Powell endorses Obama

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat’s “ability to inspire” and the “inclusive nature of his campaign.” (via CNN)

Hmm…I had a feeling that adding Sarah Palin would greatly upset a strong portion of McCain supporters.  Smart men.

Though admittedly, her performance on SNL, (or rather Amy Poehlar’s Palin rap), was pretty awesome.