Stronger than Yolanda

There is something much stronger than the super typhoon Yolanda. When it hit last Nov. 8, 2013, it is worth evoking when we all together gathered at the terrace and witnessed Yolanda's fury. It made our family intact.

Every time the wind blew, we hid in areas that would partly protect us from falling, flying objects, an ordeal that lasted for at least three hours. The ancestral house, though it did not undergo major renovations, stood the wrath of Yolanda, as this is very much sheltered by big trees. But at the same time it worried us all that trees would fall down. It was probably a divine intervention that just in front of the main door, days before the typhoon, we cut down two big jackfruit trees. For decades, the very same trees not only provided shade but the delicious experience of partaking in such favorite fruit. Very generous that even in many occasions their fruits would just fall unnoticed.

The Indian trees lined a few meters from the entrance just swayed gracefully every time the wind blew. The tambis and iba trees remained strong and didn't give in to the wind's strokes. The paradise and the balite trees with the roots that seemed to embrace their bases have remained still. Occasionally, they slightly swayed as if saying that the wind is just a minor disturbance.

Back in the terrace, we shared the food that we prepared before the power had been cut. This, we have anticipated and at least we have cooked and had something to share. Soup provided us the instant relief to trembling nerves that we all felt.

But when the wind blew so hard, as we glanced afar, we witnessed the eventual fall of the banana and papaya trees. They are obviously the kind of trees that whenever there is typhoon would just easily give in. But at least boiled banana fruits have once again answered our hunger and papayas have been our constant reliever from coldness as we prepared chicken soup with kamunggay.

The whole experience conveys one heartwarming picture. In times of difficulties, providing support and comfort is indispensable in a family. As we brace for trials in life, it is worth bearing in mind that when we fall down we know there are people whose uncompromising support is always ready.

Sometimes misunderstandings arise, a part of the dynamic human interface. But through thick and thin the members of the family would not be daunted from helping and providing.

For the rest of our brothers and sisters whose areas were badly hit, time to pick up the pieces. A week has passed, the aftermath seems unbearable but we need to move on. For others, perhaps, this moving on process maybe tedious and extended but becomes endurable when support from loved ones is present.

The resiliency of the Visayans has been tested through time, faced a number of calamities in the past. In 1984, Nitang was worst in Bohol. In Cebu, Ruping in 1990 was overwhelmingly devastating. But they all gave us lessons. We did not succumb to despair and hopelessness. We stood back whole.

Yolanda has passed by the backyards, shrieked through windows and doors, snatched out ceilings, roofs and knocked down trees, buildings and houses but never the spirit in the family. From the earthquake, indeed, we are fortunate to once again not be so affected as compared to our brothers and sisters in Northern Cebu, Leyte and Samar. We shall not stop from manifesting our love and care. Support must be provided be it in small or big ways, and in any kind.

What's stronger than Yolanda is the union of the family and the strong faith in the Almighty. Mightier than Yolanda is the spirit of the people to bounce back and move on. Tougher than Yolanda is the people's instantaneous response and concern for others. No amount of Yolanda can ever exceed the love and support for one another. Let us help Visayas rise once again. Padayon sa pagbangon Visayas!