CEBU, Philippines - "Can I hug you?" I asked him. He answered, "Sure, Sweetheart," and welcomed me into his open arms. I embraced him tightly, silently thanking God for the rare moment.
"Thank you so much, Sir, for coming to Cebu," I said as I released myself.
He looked at me with kind eyes and, in a warm voice, replied, "My pleasure, Dear."
That was a most unforgettable meeting that I would forever treasure - a brief conversation and a hug from Mitch Albom, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "Five People You Meet in Heaven." It happened during the meet-and-greet session on February 23 at the Ayala Activity Center, through the initiative of National Bookstore.
I used to feel contented just seeing Mitch at the back covers of his books. But this time, I felt so glad and grateful to have the chance to express my admiration of him, his novels, his words of inspiration, wisdom and encouragement. Added to that, I took home a signed copy of his latest novel "The First Phone Call From Heaven."
Everything felt surreal when Mitch walked into the activity area with his wife Janine. As he went up the stage, the 55-year old internationally-renowned author looked quite comfortable in his black pants, checkered polo and violet undershirt while waving and greeting his spectators. A large crowd of fans welcomed him with a loud applause and standing ovation. I myself couldn't contain my excitement when I realized that I was actually seeing him in person.
In an interview before the book signing, Mitch shared the little miracles that shaped his life. He told stories about himself and his novels. He talked about Morrie, his beloved professor who inspired his 1997 debut novel "Tuesdays with Morrie." He spoke of his uncle Eddie to whom he dedicated his work "Five People You Meet in Heaven." He also related how his mother greatly influenced his love for reading and writing, and how she became his inspiration for another award-winning novel "For One More Day."
His spontaneity in describing and recounting his life experiences only showed his remarkable storytelling ability. His wit and humor took the audience in awe; people laughed heartily at his comic stories.
But more than anything else, what struck me the most about Mitch Albom is the underlying reason behind his visit to the country. He came not just to sign books or sell his latest novel, but to extend help to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City.
He said that he'd been asked many times to come to the Philippines in the last ten years or so. "I've always said no just because it's too far and too time-committing," Mitch explained. Then he apologized, "I felt sorry it took me a long time to come and pay you a visit. But perhaps being here [now] is one of those little miracles I keep telling you about."
Mitch teamed up with the National Bookstore Foundation for the rebuilding of ten libraries in Tacloban City, and pledged to donate copies of all of his books to those libraries. "I already called some of my friends who are well-known writers and asked them if they would contribute ten books each that they'll sign, to populate the library to begin their book collections," he revealed. He was referring to bestselling authors like Stephen King, Amy Tan, John Grisham and Nicholas Sparks, all from the United States. "We'll get all those books pledged to get these kids to start reading again," Mitch added.
In addition, Mitch was donating 40 fishing boats to the province of Tacloban, through the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.
Mitch's desire to give back to the people was previously carried out in relief efforts he had spearheaded and the seven charities he founded. One of these charities was the Have Faith Haiti Mission, dedicated to the safety, health and education of less fortunate children and orphans in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010. And now, Mitch came to the Philippines to extend the same helping hand.
Without a doubt, Mitch Albom's books serve not only as sources of knowledge and life lessons but also as a way of reaching out to those in need.
I've come to realize how powerful good stories can be. How it can affect so many lives in a profound way, change lives for the better and even inspire people to try to do well on their own. Perhaps, being inspired by a story is one of those little miracles that Mitch Albom keeps talking about. Indeed, whether big or small, miracles do happen. (FREEMAN)