By: Telly Gonzaga-Ocampo
Acres of Diamonds in the Backyard: Lenten Reflections on Friendship and Hope
In the midst of shattered relationships and global turmoil, it’s easy to lose hope. But as my friend Gemma Ouano Wilson so eloquently puts it, “For every darkness, there is light.” Her words resonate deeply, a ray of optimism in a world that’s increasingly fragmented. Our friendship, born through mutual connections, has spanned miles and years, a living declaration of the power of bonds forged in childhood.
Gemma’s reflection on James from the Bible struck a chord, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of dawn waiting to break through. I’ve been reflecting on our own story, the memories we’ve etched in the pages of our lives.
Gemma Ouano Wilson and Jammie Sanoria waiting for the Sto. Niño fluvial parade
Do you remember the “Señorita” notebooks, those unassuming companions that held our academic secrets? The multiplication tables on the back cover, the scribbled notes, and the diligent assignments – all chronicling our growth?
Those carefree days, sharing books and calculators, fingers counting away math problems, seem worlds apart from today’s reality. Our BULI handbags, once symbols of simplicity, have given way to sleek trolley bags.
As I navigate this new landscape, my radio has become a comforting constant, with dyTR’s Open Forum offering a glimpse into the lives of those shaping our communities.
In one of dyTR’s episodes of Open Forum, I was able to listen to the report of Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva. His vision for Catigbian, focusing on agriculture and self-sufficiency, resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that true freedom lies not in handouts, but in economic independence.
Sto. Niño fluvial parade
With mayor Oliva’s vision, I am struck by the notion that our acres of diamonds – our potential for growth and prosperity – are often right in our own backyard, waiting to be unearthed.
In this season of Lent, as we search for meaning and renewal, Gemma’s reflection serves as a poignant reminder: even in the darkest valleys, there’s always hope.
So let’s hold on to the light, nurture our connections, and uncover the diamonds hidden in our own backyards.
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva