Tradegy

She had to leave her town, with mind set to find a job here in Manila. She did not mind what kind of job she might land in to, any job would do, as long as it is legal and would be able to send money to her family in the province, and spare some for her college degree. Her greatest dream? To be an alumni of La Salle.

When I first heard of her story, I was struck with admiration. Judging from what I had heard about her so far, I was so sure that she was capable of achieving her dream.

She worked as an all around helper, (katulong). She was 17 when she got here, and for a year had been sending all her earnings to her family. Then the following year, she spared half of her earnings for her schooling.

The sad part of her story started when she made this move. The family had been used to getting all her earnings and she suddenly cut it in half, they complained. It really made her sad. Then a tragedy fell upon her. Her father past away. She wanted to come home and attend to her father's funeral and her family and relatives expected she would do so. But considering the expense of coming home and the money they needed for her father's funeral, she decided not to come home. Instead, she just sent all her savings so as her father would have a decent burial. The family and relatives took it against her. They resented her.

Day after day, she cried. She was so hurt by how things turned out. She tried to reason out why she could not come home, but all she got from them were resentments. Until she could not take it anymore. She had decided to end it all.

I never had the chance to meet the girl. I just heard about her from my boss and knew her better from her suicide letter. It was a three pages letter of her bitterness, struggle and courage, written in English... It was really a heart breaking letter...

I keep wondering what she could have become, had she been able to finish school. What would have happened had her family been more understanding and supported her. Or what if she has been fortunate enough that she could pursue her dreams without having to work? I'm never gonna find out...