by Kit Nemenzo Balane

Allow me to indulge on myself today. After all, it was my birthday yesterday and there are a few musings I would like to share.

No, I’m far from being narcissistic although I have selfish tendencies just like everyone. But it wouldn’t hurt I think if we at times just shower ourselves with positive strokes. All throughout the year, perhaps we only hear negativism from others. Hence, if only for once in a year, and what better time than birthdays?

I did not expect anything really. Although we regularly hold surprise birthday gatherings for our employees in Bohol Child Head Start, I did not think they’d be able to plan and much more hold one since everyone was stressfully busy for the opening of the school year.

There was no mañanita. And so I just silently woke up early in the morning and went to church. I had no plans either of spending because I spent for my mother’s birthday already two days earlier. Not good economics. And so the rest of the day just went through, contented with the few who remembered that it was my birthday…or so I thought.

Late in the afternoon, I decided to leave the house to write my article in my parents’ home. And then my wife called. She said, she would treat me to dinner. And I said, I have to finish writing first. And besides, I felt important on Facebook, at least 100 or more friends there expressed their greetings to me.

But after a few minutes, she texted: “Dad, I already prepared the kids. I hope you would allow me to end your birthday with a dinner outside…and breathe. I know it’s been a busy day for all of us. But still I hope we can spend some time with you. Happy Birthday.”

Well, that jolted me out from my unexpressed expectations for my birthday. Here is one chance I could end my day at least with some dinner outside. I did not finish the article and left Facebook. I immediately went home.

While driving, we were just silent. When we reached the restaurant and about to get in, I was startled with a loud Happy birthday greeting on my face from my teachers and staff. And surprisingly, everyone was there. And they gave me a cake to blow and a cartolina filled with messages.

One teacher wrote, “Sir Kit, ayaw na pagmug-ot kay bata paka. Happy birthday sir kit! Salamat sir sa salig sa pagtudlo ug pagguide nga mamaayo ko sa ako work. Happy ko kaayo nga kamo ni Teacher Mhalene ako mga boss. “

From a staff, “Thanks for my employment…thanks for being interested in our lives…thanks for understanding and clearing the clouds in our minds…thanks for being a father to us…just want to take the chance of saying thank you.”

From another staff, “When the heart is full, the mouth is empty. Written words may not suffice how grateful I am to have met and known you not just as my boss but also a ‘shepherd’ to me…for understanding my limitations, for all the thumbs up and for always stretching me to give more and be more, thank you. I know that the last 35 years has been meaningful but the best is yet to come.”

Here is one more from a teacher, “Sir, knowing you is a blessing. Thank you for inspiring us always.”

And there were still many more messages. I felt loved and appreciated…even more than Facebook. Looking back, this is the best birthday that I got. And indeed, the last 35 years had been a wonderful journey. And I praise the Lord for the people I’ve touched knowingly and unknowingly. For sure, I am who I am because of them as well.

P.S. Bohol Child Head Start is still accepting enrolees for preschool, elementary, and SPEd school. Call or text 416-1248/09295571136. Or visit us at G. Dangoy Street, Banat-I Hillside, Bool District, Tagbilaran City.