I recently asked Syrena what his biggest wish is and he answered, "Transformers figures". Since then, all I could think about is how nice it would be to be a child again - to not have to worry about paying for the next bills or having to get up to work to pay the said bills.
It's almost like fate that MaxiLife invited me to their event in cooperation with Make-a-Wish Philippines, really, where they granted the wishes of children with critical illnesses.
I took Syrena with me to show her how much joy simple gifts can bring to these children. But when we got there, I realized that Syrena shares that exact same enthusiasm for lil things. Basically, it's me that's the problem. Lol. It seems I had lost sight of the joy that lil things can bring.
For these children battling critical illnesses, the power of wishes is more than just a source of happiness. It is a source of strength, and the event served as a testament to the transformative power of wishes coming true, underscoring both organizations’ commitment to uplifting lives and safeguarding wishes.
Mervin L. Pobre, PhD, President and CEO of MaxiLife, said something great: "In every child's wish, we see an opportunity to make a difference. We believe that each moment counts. We are not providing financial support for their medical needs but instead inspire hope through granting their wishes and empower them to wish bigger."
I seem to have lost my spark to believe in wishes after I was diagnosed with an unexpected illness recently. But after witnessing this event (where I, by the way, stayed completely silent all throughout because I was holding back tears... ya know, gotta put up a strong front in front of my child - and also didn't wanna ruin my makeup lol), I made a vow to try my best to make the most of every single day, no matter what.
According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), over 60,000 children die annually before their fifth birthday because of medical complications in the Philippines. Despite this, numerous children in critical conditions still wish to grow up and have fun with their friends and family.
Looking back, despite all of my (seemingly never-ending) complaints, I am so blessed to have made it this far in this journey called life. No matter what happens, I know that I lived it fully, but I now also make sure to reach out to the people I love every single day. I make sure I tell them I love them. I make sure to help people, if even just in the small ways that I can.
Sometimes, we do things without thinking twice about how much they matter to other people; but trust me: every lil thing matters. So ask someone how they are. Check up on people. Let them know you're there for them. The smallest things matter. Everything you do for others matters.
Through this event, MaxiLife provided families with a chance to live the way they should. Partnering with Make-a-Wish Philippines and granting children’s wishes at the event was actually perfect for them because they spread awareness about the opportunity to be the catalyst of someone's life-changing moment, and I am so glad I went.
I initially went to teach my kid a lesson. Who knew that I would end up being the one walking away with something valuable?
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