Alberto R. Tomes. “Sunrise by the Sea”. #0477. 18X15. Acrylic on canvas. Downloaded for non-commercial use with express permission from www.pinoyarte.com . Thanks po!
Except for last night where she looked a bit wan, even grey, in that film footage of ABS-CBN of the Easter Sunday mass, former President Corazon Aquino in all the interfaith masses, “truth forums”, and “communal actions” where she marched, gave messages, squeezed into crowds and joined in singing “Bayan Ko”, never gave a hint of the physical condition she had to endure. Until thirty minutes ago, through an advisory read by the other public personalities in her family.
Only today, when she requires much-needed rest did she instruct her family to issue a statement that she has cancer of the colon.
While we are optimistic that the condition can be treated, she could have chosen a less stressful life these past months to slow down those microscopic abnormal cells from multiplying; she could have done that, she could have stayed away, gone abroad or somewhere far away for a much-needed medical vacation, which is what most would have done faced with a similar situation.
But Cory Aquino is not most of us; she doesn’t choose the more comfortable option at the cost of other people’s comfort. The desecration of truth was more disconcerting to her than her own physical pain. Sure, she is not perfect, her life-choices, however, had helped topple dictatorships and remove corrupt governments.
There goes whatever excuse many of us put up in postponing to confront this regime in the most assertive and active, even if inconvenient, way. We never run out of excuses: “Been there, dun that”; Cory Aquino has been going the distance at the cost of precious time and life. “I’ve done my share”; “i’m trying my best”; Cory Aquino tells us: Not enough, look at this government. “The traffic jam is horrendous, can’t stand the pollution”; Cory Aquino has been facing a life-threatening condition since December; last February 16 flashing her trademark bright smile, she told the interfaith crowd: “Hwag kayong mag-alala, hangga’t kaya ko pa, nandito ako” (“Please don’t worry, as long as i can still manage, i will be here”) then showed again her familiar radiant beam.
She likes to paint flowers. She could have chosen to do that.
We who run about and are hale and hearty but refuse inconvenient engagements, run more risk of passing out for our uselessness and irrelevance. We who have no ailments but insulate ourselves from the strife and conflict around us, are more likely to lose our air and breath for our dumbness, obliviousness and utter pettiness. Our selfishness feeds and nourishes a decomposing government that will soon be outclassed and outmarched by people’s movements and inspiring moms, and Cory Aquino.
