"Haunted"

February 2, 2007 was set as the day where the CWTS of the University of the Philippines is expected to visit the "Gasa sa Gugma" in Mabolo, Cebu City.

We were once told by our CWTS officers what are inside this home. "Gasa sa Gugma", as what the officers told us, is a home for the aged and the dying individuals. The moment I heard the word "aged" from the officers' mouth, I already thought of what will be my reaction in seeing this old and dying people. I also remembered my grandmother.

Honestly, I am a dramatic person. I am easily touched. I cry easily especially if I pity someone. Believe me! Even in watching television shows like "Wish ko Lang" of GMA-7, I still cry. I do not really know why I can not help crying.

When we arrived at the place I can feel every hair of my skin standing. The place was so quiet, seems like their were no people living in the place. We walked by the corridor of the wards. I saw people lying in their beds inside their wards. I felt my hard beating fastly. I was actually nervous that time. I do not want to see the faces of these old people because I can see my grandmother's face in their person. I do not want to talk to them because I do not want to hear their voices. Their voices seems like my grandmother's voice.

After all the strollings in the corridor, we were told by our CWTS adviser, Miss Rodel, to take all the lolos and lolas to the chapel because a mass is to be held. When I heard this I felt my bones trembling and quaking. I do not know what to do. How can I take these old fellows to the chapel if I myself does not want to see their faces or touch their old and bony body. But I did it, thank God I did. I took some of the lolas and lolos to the chapel with all my heart. I talked to them but in the end all I saw was tears falling from my eyes. I can not stop the tears from falling. I can really remember my dead grandmother in their person. My grandmother whom I failed to say "I love you" and "Thank you" before she died. But despite all the crying I still went on what I was doing and what I am supposed to do.

In talking with these old fellows, I found out that some of them were just being left by their sons and daughters. I meet an old guy who claimed that he is a retired soldier. He even showed me a scar on his right leg, which according to him, brought by a speeding bullet during the World War II. I do not know if I will believe him or not, all I care was to listen on his stories. He also said that he have children which are currently living in the United States of America where they have permanent jobs. They (children) left him in the "Gasa sa Gugma" because no one can take care with him if they will bring him in the States. After we talked, I was not bored I actually enjoyed talking to him. He was very open and does not really mind on the things I asked on him. He answered my questions briefly and eagerly.

For me, that day was so dramatic at the same time enjoyable. I was able to interact and communicate with the old people which I found then boring....but ohh! It is not. I find our conversations enjoyable and exciting. Talking to them made me remember the past. The time when my grandmother was still alive and strong. And I love it!