“GOD’S WILL” is a two-word of comfort we say to the bereaved family over death of a loved one. But whether the persons condoled think so to, too, is unlikely.
“Condolences” would not appease the bereaved, especially if the loss is unexpected, as in the case of the victims of a squall that capsized three boats – M/B Chichi, M/B Keziah 2 and M/B Jenny Vince – on Saturday at Guimaras Strait. As of yesterday, 31 had already been reported dead.
Why did they have to succumb to drowning? We all know how bad it feels to struggle for breath under water.
I discovered a Facebook “groufie” of the four women victims – all teachers from Lambunao National High School – flashing their sweetest smiles for what would turn out to be their last picture. Taken in a balcony of Guimaras State University – where they were taking Saturday classes for a master’s degree – the picture was captioned, “Kahit malakas and ulan, ito’y di hadlang sa amin.”
Was it some kind of premonition that the caption writer subconsciously knew they were about to risk their lives in a natural disaster?
By patiently researching, I identified them as LeXynne “Lyn-Lyn” Luneta Janolino, Ivy Grace Labordo, Ma. Zenie Anilao and Emely Legada.
It was Lyn-Lyn, being nearest to the camera, who took and captioned the picture which she sent via Facebook to friends at around 12 noon or about three hours before taking off for a fatal ride to Iloilo City on M/B Jenny Vince.
What wrong have they done to be so “punished”?
The incident reminds me of the metaphor “act of God” to describe fatal natural disasters like the squall that overturned the three boats. The phrase paints the picture of God punishing man
We have lost so many lives and properties to typhoons, floods and earthquakes that “survival” seems to be a matter of chance, thus making the rich and the poor “equal.” Ironically, the rich stand to lose more than the poor who have nothing in the first place.
People who are supposed to rest on their laurels, having retired and are tired of any more work, may suddenly lose everything they have to natural disasters. Imagine a farmer who loses what could have been a bountiful rice harvest to “act of God.” He suddenly falls back to poverty – or conversely goes up to eternal peace.
Nevertheless, we come to terms with this “punishment” as a wake-up call. It alerts us into the realization that we are not owners but just temporary custodians of the earth and all materials possessions thereat.
It is very important to learn ways of coping with natural disasters and their impact. They can be considered traumatic events that have a high potential to place us at risk for stress, anxiety, and anger.
Finally, I would like to share some tips from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWS) on how to cope with natural disasters:
“Seek social support. Support from others can be a major factor in helping people overcome traumatic events.
“Find crisis counselors to talk to. After a natural disaster, they may be brought in to help you cope with the impact of a natural disaster. Take advantage of these opportunities.
“Talk about the effect of natural disaster. Share your feelings with others. If you hold them in, they may only grow stronger in intensity.
“Focus on self-care. A natural disaster can deplete you physically. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.” (hvego31@gmail.com/PN)
