Rosary

Our block went to the National Center for Mental Health last December 2011. Finally, we had a field trip! I know, it wasn’t that far but the experience offered there would take us to a far greater world—leading to a far greater realization.

            We toured the whole institution; from cells of killers, people with schizophrenia, and other confined persons with mental disorders. Some were tied on top of the table, others out of their cells...just a few inches away from us. Disregarding their undesirable labels, they are still people—persons who deserve proper treatment and support from more fortunate ones. I hope that the government would try to invest more money in helping mental institutions here in the Philippines. With adequate (financial) support from the government and concerned citizens, great deals of change would help people there gain somehow, a facilitated recovery.

            One aged female in the institution approached us. She asked us if we are interested in buying the rosaries that they made. Their rosary making project was part of their occupational therapy...helping them utilize their given time and effort to aid on their recovery. She said that if we buy one, it would help them obtain money for their Christmas party funds. She said that people like her living in institutions would also like to enjoy Christmas like other people living outside the institution. And then, I bought one. My 25 pesos, 25 pesos from my friends, 25 pesos from other people...hopefully made one Christmas party for the people in the institution to celebrate and be embraced by the warmth of our combined concerns.

            It was a wonderful feeling to find hope in a somewhat, perceived hopeless place. Most of the people there are optimistic that they would soon recover. Let’s take a stand, and be ready to HELP.

*the orange rosary that I bought, together with God’s trust and love for me...helped me pass NMAT. Saying “thank you” in countless times would still not be enough to match all the blessings God has given me.