"Life" shared in Arise; The Mon Dalay Story

shared by Mon Dalay on December 17, 2023 Arise Concert

Exactly 12 years ago, today, December 17th, I was in Manila when I received a frantic call from my sister about flooding in our area in Cagayan de Oro City, which almost reached the second floor of my grandfather’s house. I immediately asked ‘kumusta si papa and mama?’ And she replied that she does not know.

You see, my grandfather’s house was on an elevated area that has never been flooded before while our house was situated at a lower side. When my sister described the flood situation, I am certain that our house was completely submerged in water.

It was signal number two in CDO that day due to Typhoon Sendong. The water was serene in the early evening despite the heavy rains and strong winds. At nighttime, however, an upsurge of muddy, twenty-foot-high water gushed through many houses and properties, including ours. Trees were uprooted, houses, bridges, dikes, and other infrastructures

were destroyed. The flashflood also claimed many lives, including a few of my relatives and many of my neighbors. Many went missing and that included our mama.

I was very restless knowing that mama has been missing. Upon arriving in CDO a day after the disaster, I began my search for her in funeral homes, in shore areas in distant municipalities, or even in the dump site where cadavers were brought in. Whenever I head reports that dead bodies were recovered in a certain place, I was there hoping to find her.

However, she was not among the multitude of dead bodies.

In each passing day, the agony of not finding her continued to crush our hearts. And the exhaustion caused by the days of searching only brought me cough, colds, and fever.

That particular year, our once festive Christmas and New Year celebrations were filled with sadness and tears.

Several weeks after the flashflood, there were still no clear signs on what had happened to mama. A part of us tried to accept that she was already gone but without finding her body yet, we were hoping that she could have survived. Nonetheless, life goes on and I had to go back to my normal routine.

With a heavy heart, I flew back to Manila. As I pondered on the situation, I realized that what happened was beyond my control. Wallowing on my sadness will not help me at all so I chose to focus on the brighter side of life.

Looking back, despite our loss, there were many blessings I had to thank the Lord for.

First. I was supposed to be in CDO at that time to participate in our company’s recruitment caravan but was cancelled. If it did push through, my two siblings and I would have slept altogether in our house that night. I thank God that the plan did not materialize for I dread that more casualties from my family would have likely occurred.

Second. I thank God that Papa survived the ordeal. He was submerged and was trapped underneath our rooftop, and he thought he would die that night. Yet, after he asked for forgiveness of his sins, the debris that blocked him was unclogged enabling him to hold on to a mango tree until the water subsided.

Third. Our family ties have never been stronger. Conflicts within the family were resolved. Gaps were abridged. God gave us the strength to accept and endure what happened. He served as our light and hope when things seemed miserable. He filled our emptiness and brought us closer to Him. God gave us a better appreciation of the gift of life and for the many things He has done for us.

Fourth. I thank God for the many generous people who helped address our needs. The Lord sent individuals who comforted us, prayed for and with us, and gave financial assistance. I was pleasantly surprised to even see deposits credited to my account from various parts of the Philippines.

Lastly, I thank God for allowing mama to touch many lives in her 47 years. It may be short, but I believe that she already served her purpose, and I know that she lived her life well.

Mama may not be able to come home with us, but I will forever treasure the love that she gave and showed us. Banking on God’s assurance in my prayer time, I know she is in a better place. And knowing that she has a better home in God’s Holy presence just makes me smile.

My dear friends, brothers, and sisters, today marks the 12th year anniversary of that tragedy. Truth be told, we have not yet recovered mama’s remains. But despite that, I remain joyful because of God’s assurance that mama is in a better place. And I know that God never backs out from His promises. His words will not return to Him empty. I remain joyful because the God whom I serve is a God who gives and the same God who takes away. May God be constantly praised.