Remarkable Moments that Hold a Place in My Heart
- Andi Dela Torre Griffiths | Memento Vivere Blog
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
I just had some quiet time the past few hours and found myself reminiscing about a few stories that had me smiling. Today, I simply want to share remarkable moments that still hold a place in my heart.
Today, I simply want to share remarkable moments that still hold a place in my heart.
My Guardian Angel at Work
One weekend at night, I went to Pasig Rotonda to get Pei Pa Koa packs from Southstar Drug (a 3-minute ride away from us), and on my way back, instead of taking a tricycle, I decided to take a jeepney so I could get home faster. I was the only passenger inside. As we approached the stop where I was going to get off, I stood up, ready to exit the jeepney, when the driver called me. He said I left my change, so I went towards the driver, and then boom. I held on to the driver's seat handle because something hit the back of the jeepney, and it was the old car that was behind us. Everything happened so fast, and the impact was intense. As in malakas yung pagkakabangga, and sakto dun sa step na pinagbababaan sa jeep mismo. I could not believe it. Had he not called me for the change I forgot, I would have lost my legs, or worse, I would have been a casualty. Apparently, the other driver was drunk. Kuya (jeepney driver) told me to leave immediately. I was stunned. That week, I was just thankful to be alive. In situations like that, a few seconds can make all the difference in determining whether you live or not.
Trip to Pakistan
On our first trip to Lahore, I was referred to another officer at the Immigration because they said they had to check if there were current events in Pakistan at that time that could make it dangerous for us to travel (this was when the Imran Khan issue was big). Then, the officer asked why I didn’t have a return ticket (it didn’t help that my last international trip was 9 years ago). I said the original plan was to book it in Lahore a week before we came back to Manila, but she needed it. And so I ended up calling my mom to ask her to book it for me because the signal in that area was not strong enough to connect to mobile data. After that, I showed the officer my return ticket, along with my itinerary and business registration documents, and then I was cleared. Since it was a very busy afternoon, there was a long line at the counter where she asked me to queue for the stamp.
At this point, I could already see my husband looking discouraged. He was already sending me messages online, telling me he would not go if I did not make it on time. I thought about that too, but I was really keen on doing this trip. Universe, please, wag nyo kaming iwan, sayang naman yung bayad non-refundable na daw. Lord, sana maihi yung pilot para makapag CR muna sya. Lord, please, send help. Kung anu-ano dinasal ko. Pero tumatak yung send help. Here's why: When I was in line, the guy in front of me noticed I was worried, so I told him what happened, and he gave me his spot. I was so thankful. Weirdly, the people in front of him all just let me go first. Walang nainis o nagreklamo sa haba ng pila na yun, pinaderecho nila ko sa harap. I had my passport stamped, and we made it to the plane right on time. Super thankful.
Rain, Running Track, and Roommates
It was a cold night, and the rain had just finished. My roommates and I went to the university oval to take a breather. There was no one else around, so it felt like we had the whole area to ourselves. We lay on the actual rubberized running tracks and didn’t care that our bottoms got stained or wet. We had such a great time. I think that was one of those beautiful moments when all of us were completely in the present moment. Truly memorable. We had photos that night (Kath always brings her camera with her), and that moment will always be a cherished memory for us.
Stargazing at the Balcony
My roommate Nicole and I were reflecting on our lives one night, and we decided to head to the balcony for some fresh air. The sky looked beautiful that night, so we stayed longer and did some stargazing. A few minutes in, we recognized Orion’s Belt and Cassiopeia. Moments after that, we recognized more star formations (phrases and images) that seemed like answers to our concerns. The messages we interpreted resonated with what we were going through at that time. It felt like a hug from the universe. Nicole and I went back to our room with amazement. Our souls felt nourished that evening. I think my realization for that night was that answers can come to us if we take the time to pause and pay attention.
I guess that is all for today. I can keep going and have more stories I’d love to share, but I don’t want to bore you too much, so I will stop here for now.
