By Mary Anne A. Quizon
Hatsue San my Moms former boss once said. ” Sacho San’s residence in Japan is in the same road as Princess Michiko’s house. Sacho San is Hatsue San’s husband and the President of Nikkan San a widely circulated Japanese newspaper in America. Sacho San and Michiko San were neighbour’s before she married the Prince, now Emperor Akihito.
I was a little girl then , a frequent companion of my Mom at her Nikkan San office at little Tokyo in Los Angeles where she used to work . She picked me up after school and brought me to her office where I stayed with her till office closing time. Hatsue San didn’t mind at all.
I wondered about the importance of the road where Sacho San lived in his youthful days. Meeting a would be princess and possibly playing origami games , hopscotch and going to the same elementary school where she went. How awesome, I thought. To have met and even possibly played with a would be princess, Michiko during her childhood days!
Hatsue San, a very nice and sweet lady would bring me all sorts of gifts every time she goes to visit Japan during Cherry blossoms month. Her conversations with my Mom taught me much. Hatsue San would usually speak a word or two in Japanese with her and then translated them . “Chotto matte kudasai” she would say in Japanese and then repeat it in English “wait a minute please” with a smile.
As a young child I was fascinated by her and her stories but what fascinated me most of all was the story that Sacho San lived on the same road where Princess Michiko lived.
How important could a road be? It could be an Avenue or a plain quiet street yet who knows? One day the simple plain road could suddenly proliferate with cars bearing tourists to see the house where the princess spent her childhood days.
Most of us wants to live next door to Mr Rich or Mr famous or go on a path where most people go. We seek the road to freedom, success and happiness. This is how important a path or a road could be. Some seek happiness in relationship. Some seek success in ones chosen path: Whether it be in serving the world, serving the community or serving one’s self.
Beverley, Vittorio, Renae and Dodo are so lucky walking on the road where they could be of service to many in the community. We see the Mayor, the Congressmen and the Governor handing cheques, gifts and awards to the scholar, athlete and the deserving as well as donations to the needy. Batangas is governed by God sent generous people!
Yet, most of all, we can’t help but laud the choices of a few , who with generosity of heart have given their time, talent and treasure to take the same path where Mother Theresa walked. The road less preferred and the road less travelled. The road of unquestionable love for the Lord. They had, by donning the cloak of poverty, chastity and humility, chosen religious life to serve the youth, the sick the poor and the oppressed.
Yesteryears editorials
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