Fun Friday: “G” is for giving
This is my Fun Friday post for our Blogging For Fun group. Today’s theme is centered on the letter G. I chose the word “GIVING” to represent this letter and here’s why:
I’ve written a few posts about the devastation of Marikina due to Typhoon Ondoy but I haven’t given a worthy blogspace for the generosity of those who sent help to our community. Friends and strangers alike from local and international communities poured in relief goods and other services to the typhoon victims.
The United States has reportedly donated $100,000 to the Philippines, plus they deployed a military helicopter and five rubber boats manned by about 20 American soldiers who were pulled out from their troops in Mindanao where they have been providing counter-terrorism training. They also had soldier-doctors who gave immediate medical assistance to the typhoon victims during their rescue operations. I chanced upon this US Marine who had fun playing with our neighbors’ kids after surveying the area.
The United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Food Program have also donated food and other aid, 
according to media reports. Local organizations and individuals also poured in help like canned goods, rice, bread, bottled water, and used clothing. Among those who gave donations were Knights of Columbus, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (to which I belong), and GMA Kapuso Foundation.
I wish I was able to identify the organization behind the relief goods distribution in the photos I’ve taken right within our neighborhood. They deserve some humble credit for their good hearts.
Bianca (holding a pink bag) and her classmate, Princess.
Since the typhoon brought a month’s amount of rain in only 12 hours, it caused tremendous flooding and a lot of my daughter’s classmates failed to save their schoolbags, shoes and uniforms. I specially took pity on Princess whose shoes drifted to nowhere during the flood, hence for many days she was only wearing slippers to school. So I bought her a new pair of shoes and she’s wearing them since.
Weird but whenever I give, I get to receive something back too (material or not). See, my father-in-law survived a crucial brain operation just recently. Plus, this Nov. 21 my daughter will be one of the recipients of a gift bag package from a Canadian charity institution called Sleeping Child Around The World (SCAW) Foundation. That’s more than enough good karma, don’t you think?
Giving does not necessarily involve material things. Emotional and spiritual support sometimes weigh more than any material thing on earth. Even just your physical presence lightens a loved one’s emotional burden. You give quality time to your family and you make them happy. Give love to a street kid and he’s happy. Give honor to your parents and they’re happy. Give respect to your workmates, laughter to your friends, moral support to your partner and they’re happy. When my family and friends in the province as well as my Blogging For Fun friends and other friendly visitors of this blog gave their thoughts and prayers during and after the flood, my heart was filled with glee. When my friend, Carol, gave us temporary shelter, we were more than thankful.
Giving is indeed one big source of happiness. It rewards not only the recipients but also (and I think more intensely) the giver. He who gives is rewarded with a joyful heart, a peaceful mind, good karma, and lots of good friends. May we all have the heart to give.
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November 13th, 2009 9:38 pm
What a super post! I only wish that all of the world was as giving and thoughtful as it is when tragedy befalls us. It is so good to know that we are compassionate enough to over our support during these times, but what if…… I know you the type of person that cares more about the emotional and spiritual side of relationships and I admire you for that great quality. It is a blessing to see others, whom we do no know, step up to the plate and offer whatever aid possible. We have endured the hardship of flooding in our hometown and it was devastating. The river that runs through our town is suppose to crest this weekend and I know there will be some flooding. I pray all is prepared. We too have had a lot of rain in the past two days. I will look forward to all your future posts! Have a great weekend!
Friends 4 Life!
November 14th, 2009 7:39 am
Rochelle, what a lovely post you have put together. Giving should be given from your heart, and not with the expectation of something in return. Good karma, and just knowing you are kind, and loving, should be what matters most. I believe in what comes around goes around. I can not always donate money to something, so I try to give in other ways, that do not cost me money.
November 14th, 2009 12:11 pm
Hi Rochelle, what a sweet post, and you got my eyes swelling! I agree with Melissa, that giving is from our heart, without any expectation of reward. I know the Philippines had been hardly hit by the wrath of the typhoons, but people all around the world had the same purpose of giving and helping the countries too.
Be well my friend and hugs!
November 15th, 2009 3:42 am
Very lovely post! Your right I think I feel a sense that I have done something good for someone else when I am able to give something. I really agree with what Melissa had to say too! I am the same way. I can’t always give money but I will help as much as I can.
Have a great weekend.