P59 from the goodness of his heart–bigger than mine

Posted on June 21, 2008
Filed Under Good Deeds, LIFE, Thoughts | Viewed 450 times

Almost late

I woke up at 11:45 am, with just 5 minutes to take a shower, dress up and grab a cab, hair still dripping wet, to catch the 12 noon mass in UP. If nobody can drive me, I always take a cab, following the advice of a Buddhist friend—when you go to church, go in style, take the car or take a cab. Since then even when I was abroad, I would always take the hotel car or a cab to church (this is not a Buddhist belief, though, and this is another story).

To my aghast, I found out that I left my purse that had my basic make up and cash. No time to go back, I found only P2 in my bag and an ATM card. A bank was just beside the shopping center next to the church, but going there would take another 5 minutes, and I didn’t want to be late.

I had a bright idea

I thought of “kuya”, the watch your car guy, mid 20’s, whom BA calls “kuya”. Each time I reach UP church, almost always he would open the car door for me, greet me “good afternoon, ma’m”, and add “your son has not come yet”, or “he’s parked at the other side”, or “he was here yesterday” and he would tell me whether the Mass has started or not, even assuring me when I was late that I was not yet very late. After Mass, he would again open the car’s door for me and close it. BA would give him P5, P10 or P15. Months ago, I was sarcastic. Why, I thought should I pay watch your car guys, when the church had its own guard. But with the rampant reports of carnapping, even within the church area “kuya” has become a regular fare.

“Kuya” to the rescue

As soon as I got off the cab, his wide smile greeted me. “Kuya, can I borrow P60?”, I asked. Immediately he handed me some money, and said “Here Ma’m, P59. If you still need P1, I will borrow from my friend.” I said it was ok, anyway, the fare was only P55 and I had P2, the money combined would be enough for my fare and a small tip.

In church, I could not help but think about “kuya”. I realized that P59 was all he had at that moment. Why would he immediately know the exact amount that he held in his hand, had he not been counting it to the last peso?

“Kuya” had entrusted his only money to me, without hesitation, not knowing if I would pay him back the same day or the next day or the next few days. He knew that I do not go to UP church every day. I sometimes I go to my village church.

A heart bigger than mine

At that very moment of reflection, I was humbled and happy at the same time. I felt that the goodness in my heart was more than reciprocated by a bigger heart. The P5, P10 or P15 that we gave “kuya” was but loose change, while the P59 he lent was all he had! All that he had! I asked myself, would I do the same—give someone who asks for help all the money that is in my purse, be it hundreds or thousands? I had no definite answer.

After Mass, “kuya” was only too happy to be paid. Angelo who happened to be in church gave him P80. “Kuya” said I owed him only P59. When Angelo insisted and “kuya” took the money, I saw how happy he was. Happy perhaps that people who are notches above his stature deal with him as an equal, engaging in small talk, even borrowing money from him.

From the mouth of babes

I took a ride home with Angelo and family. While 3-year old Baby Cate was hugging me, she touched my lips and said, “Lola, why are your lips pink?” I wonder why she didn’t comment about my eyelashes, for their lack of mascara. And that more than made my day! Would it mean that I do not really need my red lipstick? and my mascara? Tiny tots do not lie, of course!

Comments

19 Responses to “P59 from the goodness of his heart–bigger than mine”

Vince on June 21st, 2008 10:19 pm

Stories like this never fail to touch my heart. I remember my foster family in Payatas. Sometimes those who don’t have anything have the most to give.
glenville on June 22nd, 2008 4:22 am

i like this post about “kuya” and your apo. nothing like an unexpected good deed and a sincere compliment to brighten up someone’s day. =)
Flor P. Velasco on June 22nd, 2008 10:12 am

i will share something for you…...
“There is something new you can learn today. Learn the lesson well and carry the wisdom with you.
There is some improvement you can make today. Make that improvement and your efforts to do so will continue to reward you for a long time to come.

There is someone who would dearly appreciate a kind word from you today. Offer your kindness sincerely and often, and you’ll find your world growing ever brighter.

There is a purpose within you today. Express that purpose through your actions and commitments, and you’ll know the sweet taste of true fulfillment.

There is a way for you to make a positive difference today. Change the world in your own special way, and you’ll find it to be an even more beautiful place to live.

This day is filled with many possibilities, and you are here now to live them. There is so much you can do today, and now is the moment to begin”
hazel on June 22nd, 2008 3:08 pm

hi, ms dine!

i feel that this is the personification of the verse you reap what you sow. you have shown “kuya” kindness and that’s what he has shown you.
lady cess on June 22nd, 2008 5:30 pm

aaaw… i’m so touched by this story, dine. this is a feel-good post, very chicken soup for the soul.
julie on June 23rd, 2008 9:51 am

Aw, Dine, you had me teary-eyed. As Cess said, this is very chicken soup for the soul. May Kuya be more blessed for having a good heart
Kyels on June 23rd, 2008 12:57 pm

Kuya is a nice guy and he sure does have a big heart as he didn’t hesitate to hand you over the P59. It’s hard to find people w/big hearts these days, di ba?

[:
Em Dy on June 23rd, 2008 2:30 pm

Reminds me of the gospel about the poor man giving his all and the rich man giving a measly sum. While the latter gave more money, the former’s contribution meant so much more.

The world definitely needs more kuyas! You’re lucky to know him, Sexy Mom.
Kimmy on June 23rd, 2008 5:41 pm

What a nice experience, Mommy Dine. I hope that “kuya” will have more blessings come his way.
annamanila on June 24th, 2008 3:17 am

Nice to have friends in all places!
raqgold on June 24th, 2008 3:58 am

we do meet ‘kuyas’ around us; arent we lucky? and god bless those ‘kuyas’and frank little girls
Rach (Heart of Rachel) on June 24th, 2008 9:29 am

“Kuya” is such a kind and generous person. It would be nice if everyone we encountered could be as giving as him.

Thank you for sharing this story.
regie pama rn (texas) on June 24th, 2008 4:33 pm

what a very inspiring story.. GOLDEN RULE still in existence.. GODBLESS..
pining on June 24th, 2008 9:40 pm

on bless him… for him to trust you with the money he’s got on his hand says a lot, that man looks up to you. inspiring story indeed
Princess on June 25th, 2008 9:57 am

Generosity is paid back threefold. And it is never from or to a heavy heart. God bless you and your family, Dine. And God bless “Kuya”.
I miss those early morning masses I used to attend and I mean early—5:30 am. Meron pa ba noon ngayon?

Sexy Mom: 6 am na ngayon ang earliest!
Kongkong622 on June 25th, 2008 2:17 pm

This is truly heart warming. It only goes to show that you should never judge anybody based on what they have or don’t have. For all you know, its these people who have less who may eventually turn out to have more
Rowena on June 27th, 2008 10:19 am

Hi Dine, this is a touching post. Truly, there are still lots of good people around. That there’s still hope for our country if only our fellow Pinoys would learn to share more…
Toe on July 1st, 2008 2:24 pm

I love that story about Kuya Sexy Mom. Funny how we could find goodness in strange places and from unexpected people. Kuya is watching over you.
Gabriel on July 5th, 2008 3:36 am

nakakatuwa naman po at ang bait ni kuya.