3rd Prize goes to Cezanne at Pugaddinilgab for “The Love of a Grandfather”. Her essay made me think about the nature of sacrifice and service on behalf of others. Who paved the road for us? And how will we pave the road for others?

She was sent one Green Study Coffee Mug and a scenic Minnesota postcard. I also made a $50 donation to the Philippine Red Cross.

The Love of a Grandfather

By Cezanne at Pugaddinilgab

My grandfather used to tease me of being called “pugad de nilgab” or a granddaughter pulled out from the ashes of burned pine tree. Among his granddaughters, I have the darkest complexion. Nevertheless, I am my grandfather’s favourite granddaughter, that is according to my cousins. I did not know, he never mentioned but I do remember that he always try his best to give my small request. During fiestas, my aunts and elder cousins beg me to ask money for cotton candy and I do not fail them.

My grandfather is a strong man and loves his family. He always tells me the story of his experience as a soldier during the dark ages of the Second World War. I even memorized the marching songs they sung. I also memorized their love story with my grandmother which he always tells me before bedtime. Most of the time, I slept with them with grandma because I want more of his stories. He has 20 “carabaos”* and I was always with him in feeding them and looking when 1 or 2 are astray. When we go home from the mountain after feeding the carabaos, he would carry me on his shoulders. I did not have the best friends aside from my school friends, but I had my grandpa.

One time, he was trying to memorize the colours of the American Flag including the president and I sat beside him and help him memorize. I never knew that he would leave us to the US, having the privilege as a veteran. I cried when he went away. His parting words were as always, it’s for you and your cousins’ schooling.

I went to college and he goes home every other year, and I was happy, but never again did I ask for money. I hoped that he would just go home and he could stay with us and never again, to see my grandmother cry at night when I sleep with her because she is alone in their room. I graduated college and asked him to come home. He told me he has to stay so that he could support my dream of becoming a lawyer.

He always dreamed when we were walking on the mountains looking for carabaos that I would be a lawyer. But, I did continue because I love the degree I finished and wanted to have job and show him that I can support my siblings and cousins so that he could come home. I had my first job in 2006 as a Social Worker in a Temporary home for abused children, and was happy to tell him how I love my job and how his stories has inspired the children. I waited and he came home lifeless August of 2006. My cousins and I finished our studies a cousin is a practicing doctor in the US, the other is a psychologist at the same time a teacher while my others are nurses and pharmacist.

My grandfather’s dream was for us to finish our education and according to him “I must do everything that my grandchildren will not taste the hardship that my children (our parents) has experience due to lack of education”. I cannot forget my grandfather because of his love and devotion. His love to support us was not ended with my cousins rebellion, not ended with my non continuing of becoming a lawyer but pressed on to support every grandchildren who has a dream and inspire those whom he think needs inspiration.

“Every minute is an opportunity for me to help my grandchildren to realize their dreams, if I have to plant trees and sell as many as I can, I will! If I have to dig and look for a pot of gold, I will! If I have to sell my carabao, I will! Lived away from them, I will! I never want them to taste the pain of being uneducated and to bear the scourging heat of the sun from dust to dawn working ground yet with no progress. I love them.”   Eusebio Banggalat

* Water Buffalo in the Philippines

Congratulations Cezanne!