Written by: Ate Chessika Chua, Secretary
A quote from A. R. Lucas, “If there’s even a slight chance of getting something that will make you happy, risk it. Life’s too short, and happiness is too rare.”
For Ate Danielle who is celebrating her birthday, she took that risk of finding happiness by serving those precious kids from the pediatric ward of OSMAK together with her bibo and biba friends. Although the event has started late due to unforseen circumstances, Ate Danielle and her friends were very patient to wait, willing to do anything just to make these kids happy. A loving act that shows how big their hearts really are to help those in need.
This happy day started by introducing the volunteers then grouping them with the kids for some getting-to-know bonding. We always say to enjoy the little things in life, because one day we will look back and realize they were the big things. The simple, “Anong pangalan mo? Ako si Ate Danielle.” “Sinong paborito mong artista?” “Pareho tayo ng pangarap sa buhay!” are the same words that give a lasting impact to our lives. It is through connecting with other people and helping others that indeed give our lives that purpose and meaning. We headed on to some games, “Ilong-Ilong.. Tenga!” and the room that was filled with IV Fluids, medicines, and sickness have been embraced by giggles, ate-kuya-kid-moments, and most especially, by hope. To add up with the happy vibe, we also played the famous “Hep-Hep Hooray!” that never goes out of time! Yes, life may be short and time runs so fast. There is no replay and no rewind but by enjoying these moments as it come has allowed us to find that rare kind of happiness.
The happiness continues by having a story-telling session headed by the Ates and Kuyas. Our volunteers read “The Prodigal Son” and the kids were so eager to listen about the story and its lesson of forgiving and taking back those who have strayed from the right path as they start a new life. Similar with the moral lesson, we don’t always get to live our lives the way we wanted to. But another day is always another chance to live, to change, and to make things right. For our dear volunteers, they know that life is a one time offer and they’ve chosen to use it well by serving others. Their acts of service have bee an example for these younger generations to follow and to look up to.
The fondest memories are made gathered around the table. Inspired by Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche “Eating a meal together can be a place of joy, celebration, and friendship – we can show love for each other and celebrate life.” For U! Happy Events, it will always be part of our event to eat with the kids and take that moment to share the happiness and build a loving relationsghip. Aside from eating with the kids, the volunteers were also able to distrubute a lot of food given to the other pediatric wards. A stomach filled with delicious food, and hearts filled with overflowing joy!
And finally, here comes the hardest part of saying goodbye as we end our program. Gifts were given to make the kids even happier, a photo to make happy memories, and tight hugs were all around to make each and everyone feel the happiest! There might be a little pinch in the heart as we wave goodbye but the hope to see them again soon makes it all better.
The event was finished earlier than the usual time but Ate Danielle’s birthday celebration has been a proof that it is not the length of time, but the depth that really matters. “Alive or just breathing?” To be alive and to live are two different things. Thank U to Ate Danielle and her friends for inspiring us to live with a good heart. May we always choose to live with passion and meaning, come and make your own event with us at https://uhappyevents.com/create/ and together let us dicover how life is breathtakingly amazing and beautiful, most importantly, how life could be this happy!
