PINOY TIME is GOOD.....sometimes

The plane arrived eight minutes early. They say the problem with being early is that nobody is there to appreciate it. :-)

And that was what happened. 

The driver who was supposed to pick me up was not yet there. So, i waited. 

The passengers in the arrival area dwindled away each passing minute. I checked my watch again and realized that I was not just early. The driver was also late. Or worst, maybe he got lost. Maybe even much worst, he forgot.

I continued to wait. I looked around and noticed that I had the arrival area all to myself. I got hold of a newspaper to pass away the time. Sadly, there was nothing good in the news. It was still about drug related killings, robberies, politicians justifying their adulterous acts and other “news” that would make one cringe. So, I decided to put the newspaper down. Then, I noticed a middle aged woman in blue uniform diligently sweeping the floor. She looked at me and greeted me. 

“Good morning sir! Baka nakalimutan kayo ng sundo niyo”
(Good morning sir. Maybe the person who was supposed to fetch you forgot)

“Hindi naman. Sobrang aga ko lang” 
(No, I just arrived tooooo early)

She laughed. That started our conversation. She shared that she had four kids. Her eldest child would be entering Senior High this June and the youngest will be Grade 3. At one point, she looked sad sharing how hard it is to raise a family of six. She had a regular work at the airport but her husband only gets hired occasionally as a driver. Then she paused for a moment, smiled and said “pero mahal po kami ng Diyos! Kasi pwede po ihatid ng asawa ko ang apat naming anak sa paaralan. Sure ako safe sila habang nasa trabaho ako” (But we are still blessed by God! Because of our setup my husband is able to personally bring our kids to school. That gives me the assurance that they are safe while I am here working)

I told her “You’re a good wife and mother. God bless you!”

“Ay sir, dito lang kayo. May bigay ako sa inyo” 
(Sir, stay here. I have something for you.)

She went into a room and returned with a cup filled with hot water. Then she handed me a sachet of instant coffee.

“Kape ka muna. Relax lang. Balik trabaho po muna ako”

(Have coffee first and relax. I have to go back to work)

I said thank you then she turned around and walked away. Her positive outlook made my day extra special. I was about to finish my coffee when I heard a voice behind me. 

‘Sir, are you Mr. Fabella? I am here to pick you up. Sorry I am late’

I turned around and saw man in a chauffer uniform. The name of the place where I would give a talk was printed nicely in his shirt. I realized that God allowed this driver to be late so that I can meet a good mother & wife. Maybe God wanted to inspire me first before I give my motivational talk in the afternoon.

I took my last sip of the coffee & then smiled at him. “You’re not late. You are just on time. Perfectly on time. Thank you!” 

I saw his confused look after I replied to his apology.

There are a lot of good people around us. We just have to look around. When we avoid “bad news”, good news will slowly appear before us. 

ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE.

alvinfabella@yahoo.com