MANILA, Philippines - My second baby was born last July 21 at the St. Paul’s Alberione Hall on a stormy afternoon. Giving birth to it almost got canceled but my second baby Si Erik Tutpik at si Ana Taba was insistent to come out.
It has been witnessed by colleagues from different professions. Along with the godparents: Fernando’s Bakeshop, Tropical Hut, Goldilock’s, Snap in a Box and Quaker Oats Cookies; they saw how this baby has proven its stubbornness over my firstborn, 8 Ways to Comfort with Grace, that came out with a quiet demeanor. Like the rage of the storm, Si Erik Tutpik at si Ana Taba desired to share its message intensely.
Why did I carry such a baby? It was born out of my casual conversations with my husband about our childhood experiences especially the pains of being mocked at because of our physical appearances. My husband, Erick, used to be so thin and I, Ana (my real name), used to be so fat.
A friend of mine also shared a story about her son who is so nice, smart and gentle-mannered but still got picked on by his classmates. I wondered why his being so good was seen as a weakness and was used by these kids to empower themselves to feel that they were greater than him. The poor boy didn’t want to go to school anymore and started getting lower grades.
I cry for those who get a quick taste of power by domineering the “smaller” person. Those people do not realize the wounds they inflict on those who they make victims of. Sometimes, the wounds take a lifetime to heal.
However, these cruel people are victims themselves. They are the real weaklings who cling like fools to the little power they think they have. They must have been hurt as well and they were not given love.
What else can heal pain but love? With love comes kindness, understanding, respect, forgiveness and peace.
Si Erik Tutpik at si Ana Taba is my way of expressing how two people become friends despite their differences and how they heal themselves as well as their enemies through love.
It may be in the form of a kiddie book but underneath its simplicity lies deeper issues. Whether you are young or old, bully or bullied, my stubborn baby is for you. Be a kid!
(Last Sept. 14, my book was included in the launching of all other new books from St. Paul’s Publication at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.)