XSPB>PARENT ACTIVITIES

Flying High With KYTHE

Zari A. Poe, parent

Posted Monday, 27-Nov-2006 12:44 PM

     Each time I saw the Kythe circular in the past years, I would ask, "What is this all about?"  And it would end there.  I guess I was not ready then. But this year was different.  This time I said, “Why not give it a try?”

     The day came; I was so nervous and excited.  Together with other parent volunteers, I got to the first assigned room.  I was not sure if I wanted to take a child with physical imperfections. Then we moved on to the next room.  I learned that the patient originally assigned to me had just been discharged and most of the parent volunteers seemed to be settled with their own patients leaving me with none to care for.  After mustering enough courage, I went on to volunteer to take the child from the first room. 

     Maria Dolores Mendoza is 11 years old.  She had puffed bruised swollen eyes; as a matter of fact, she had just vomited so much blood much earlier.  She is suffering from leukemia.  She lacks platelets which causes her eyes to bulge.  I was scared. I wanted to start right.  I was careful not to say or do anything that would offend her or her parents.  I read her stories and asked her to read to me as well.  Seeing her smile was like a trophy, as though I had just won in a contest.  Then it dawned on me, how lucky I am to be well.  I asked, “why her and not me?” How thankful I am to God.  I realized that my problems were nothing compared to hers. I see now how important prayers and faith are.  My heart bled for her, who despite her illness, had so much enthusiasm for life.

  
      I believe that joining Kythe was my way of giving back the many blessings given to me.  I must say that the experience I gained from interacting with them was much more than the time I gave.

  
      The entire experience was a wake up call for me.  I learned that spending quality time with people who mattered is most precious; that one should look beyond grades and accomplishments in school; that one should not stop pursuing other things once success has been achieved in life.  I should continue supporting my children if they do not succeed.  I will find some avenues where they will shine and be proud of themselves.  I will do it now for time is precious.

     I have always wanted to do something with meaning.  I think my taking part in Kythe has a lot to do with my recent realizations.  I am fortunate I have the opportunity to be active in my children’s home and school activities.  I am blessed to be part of their growing-up years.  As they grow, I too, grow with them.  Together, we try to spread our wings as far as we can. 

     I would like to continue to help Kythe in my own small way.  For those who wish to help, you may do so not necessarily through monetary ways or to be physically present but by being blood donors.  If you have your own company or an office and have a staff of 5 to 10, you can try to convince them to be blood donors.  Aside from being able to help, another advantage in being a donor is that it cleanses your blood.  They say that each individual should have this cleansing process at least once in a year.  And should you need blood in the future (God forbid), you will be given immediately.  What is a prick of a needle compared to the help you can give to someone in dire need of blood?

     For those who can spare a few minutes for Kythe, do come and visit.  You will see how much joy you will bring to the sick.  What more – you get a bonus of learning from the experience, as well.

Support Kythe!  Contact Mr. Roland Legarda or the XSPA Office (care of Ms. Agnes) for details.

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