When the Germans Stopped Hailing Hitler

When we speak of Germans, it is always related to Hitler. For me, he  was the worst person ever lived on earth. What if he took the TAT or theThematic Apperception Test (a projective psychological test), evaluation might show that he has superiority complex (an exaggerated  feeling of being superior to others) and grandiose delusions (a fantastical belief that he is famous, omnipotent and very powerful) because he thinks that his race is perfect much to his dream to rule the world.

My Aunt Cleo married a German.  She moved to Germany  twenty years ago and visits Philippines almost yearly. On her appointment to her German doctor in a clinic at Freiburg University Hospital, she was accompanied by my Aunt Sylvia who does not speak German. In the consultation room, in no request,  the doctor spoke and explained in English. Start of my admiration, was is not a gesture of disrespect to a person who does not speak their language?   I take my hats off to the doctor. 

My pretty Aunt Cleo:)

During the Blessed John Paul II's (then Pope) funeral, dignitaries from around the world were seated alphabetically according to the French spelling of their country's name and arranged according to diplomatic protocol. French is the official language of diplomacy. These are the most powerful people in the world and in my opinion, it was the absolute expression of language courtesy (much to the courtesy to the beloved Pope).

There are about 10 major languages in the world and English is the international language of communication. Gone are the days when people speak like Babylon.  In our present time, it is now a question of etiquette and manners  even we are in small talks. What if we are in a conference and after a couple of minutes you realized you are already  listening to a conversation you do not understand and then they have their own world--no explanations, no translations.  We might just think they are talking nonsense or we just crunch our foreheads. For me, the doctor was undiscriminatory and the little act of respect to language barrier deserves a big salute. Sometimes small things matter big.

Separation Anxiety Disorder (The Conclusion)

My mother is truly special.  I had the chance to hear the mass today for the first time in the church were for more than a decade, I just pass by everyday when I was a student of St. Paul QC. A lady came to me by the pew and gave me a bunch of lovely Malaysian mums. I assumed that she is one of altar servers.  She asked me to offer the flowers to the Resurrected Christ.  It was my first time to enter that church and yet I was immediately given a role.  

At times, I am skeptic about my religion but it give me creeps when I  hear the highest form of prayer. Then I thought, why doubt? Here, I prayed for the soul of my mother to the Risen Christ!

photo courtesy of Brian Formoso

My idea about death is quite different. It changed when my mother died sixteen years today. I thought I have separation anxiety disorder or simply,SAD.  Death of a beloved mother can do a lot to a person. It can improve your coping mechanisms without the Valium.  It makes you decisive and it gives you a sense of direction. Something that Sigmund Freud will decide to call the counseling session off.    

My mother's murderers were never captured. They were not even served hold departure order from the BID before they have flown in to Europe, but I feel that my mother forgives them and somehow I should. Many good things happened after her death. All her memories and countless recognitions were amazingly unforgettable--all the tears were for joy.  (We even have two Presidential courtesy calls to Malacañang) And that is how I realized that separation anxiety disorder is not a feeling of excessive anxiety at all.

posted on my FB 05.09.11 http://www.facebook.com/notes/grace-tatlonghari/separation-anxiety-disorder-the-conclusion/206031669436527

All About Mom

My Mom  is no ordinary mother.  For us, she is Super Mom! She came from a no wealthy family. She was the eldest from the brood of eight and a barrio lass who came to Manila to educate herself and fulfill her dreams. Still vivid in my memory, she always say substantial words, do righteous deeds, silently reaps her laurels--proud but not clamorous, and of course pray on bended knees.

Dawn of May 9, 1995, Local Elections, 4 days before Mother's Day, we lost her while I am on my early adolescent year. According Erik Erikson, my favorite psychoanalyst, it's the age when a person discovers moral purpose and choose a sense of identity.  Then I thought parental guidance plays an essential role on a person's life. In our case, it was the period of despair, hate, depression and grief. It was an undescribable pain. For Dad, it was a challenge of roles. Years after, me and my two siblings I must say we became good persons.  Dad taught us how to respect other people's rights and individuality. He just always remind us to think what Mom did, and that says it all. How did my Dad do both roles? How can he taught us not to be hateful? Well he is equally amazing!   

I remember the other teacher said that Mom sometime shared to him that she (Mom)  wants to die a meaningful death and the Archbishop will say the mass. Whoa! wish granted, mission accomplished. Mom did not only die a meaningful death, she gave love to each person she has touched. 

There are numerous publications on Social Studies and Christian Living children's books, news articles, blogs, on-line forums, and her story had been adapted to countless television and documentary programs. She was the star of our family's life. Although she did not get her justice, she is happy with our Lord.  She is a guardian angel and forever a guiding star. I love you Mom, Happy Mothers' Day! :)

Here are some links to on-line news articles about my mother. Not only how wonderful mother she was, but a good lamb she will always  be. 

http://www.newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20070415-60458/School_honors_teacher_killed_in_line_of_duty

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181402

http://www.archlipa.org/content/batangan/UlatContent/Batangan_0410.pdf

http://pinoyteachersnetwork.blog-city.com/philippine_elections_heroism_of_a_teacher.htm

http://newsalert2009.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/act-teachers-files-bill-making-election-service-voluntary-for-teachers/

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/131109/Slain-civil-servants-to-receive-aid-from-govt

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/deped-3-agencies-ink-pact-teachers-safety

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_Unclosed

posted on my FB 05.06.11 http://www.facebook.com/notes/grace-tatlonghari/all-about-mom-/205269736179387