A Prayer to a Beloved Friend

A friend's birthday is coming up. We haven't seen each other for quite a while. We were friends in college, but my graduation got delayed due to certain problems. I missed classes in the first semester of my senior year and for the shame of it, I never told anyone why--except Naomi.

Naomi (not her real name) is the kindest, the most gentle, and the sweetest person I've ever met. Her smile could brighten up overcast skies any day. She speaks quite softly that you really need to come close in order to hear what she has to say. But it also means that this is one person who rarely gets angry, hardly loses patience, and always ready to forgive. She has taught me how to be patient--with myself and other people. She taught me how to always see the bright side of things. I feel as though I can be myself with her, be open and outright honest with her. During my college days, she's become my one and only confidant.

After college, we chose two different paths in life. For the next couple of years after my graduation (she graduated ahead of me), we manage to speak to one another occasionally. We send each other birthday cards. Until the time came and we lost touch with each other. Around four or five years had lapsed since we last spoke to each other. By an awesome twist of fate, I've managed to find out where she works. While I was working in the office, I overheard my boss' daughter talk about her teacher. Upon hearing some bits and pieces of her story, it seemed that the teacher she's describing resembles my former college friend. I asked the daughter her name--true enough, the teacher's name was Naomi. On her birthday, I asked a favor to my boss to have a birthday card sent to Naomi through her daughter. The next day, the daughter told me that she was surprised at her teacher's reaction to the card. She said that her teacher literally jumped for joy. Of course I felt great that day! I miss my friend a lot and apparently, she (Naomi) misses me too.

So our paths continue to meet every now and then, but it's unlike that time when I gave that birthday card to her (which was around five years ago). I found out that she works as a part-time instructor in our Alma Mater. Since then, I've been working in Makati and the possibility of she and I getting together for catching up seems remote at this point.

Since it's her birthday on January 12, I've decided to offer something to her--a simple prayer. I doubt if she would ever read this blog I wrote about her. Nevertheless, my theme this week has been remembering and honoring friends. She's the one friend that I'll never forget.

Happy Birthday Naomi! ;-)

THE PRAYER (as sung by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to the place guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
 

La luce che tu hai
  Nel cuore resterà
A ricordarci che
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Quanta fede c'è
  

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità
La forza che ci dà

[We ask that life be kind]
È il desiderio che
[And watch us from above]
Ognuno trovi amor
[We hope each soul will find]
Intorno e dentro sé
[Another soul to love]

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salverà