Few days have passed and it is amazing to see how people can immediately smile after a physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually exhausting ordeal! They say this is a very positive Filipino trait, and I believe this is really so and well demonstrated by everyone in the hospital.
It is unimaginable to know that something as devastating as this could ever happen. Never in one’s wildest dreams could we even think of this happening to us!
It is relieving to know that the EXPLOSION was not a terroristic activity. It was due to an unusual fireworks explosion, unfortunately, the fireworks were inside a 40 footer van and a 20 footer van which exploded!
It is sad to know that the “great big series of bangs” should not have happened in the first place. This is the city proper and fireworks warehouses such as this shouldn’t have been allowed in this area at all.
It is comforting to know that people REALLY CARE.
...How God has given us ADRENALINE and REFLEX ACTIONS as ways to protect ourselves and react accordingly.
...How leaders stayed on to do their part in a very unimaginable and confusing situation!
...How doctors continued to care for the patients even in very difficult surroundings!
...How the staff cared for their patients inspite of the unknown dangers it may pose on themselves!
...How a nurse could cover a sick child from the flying broken glass pieces and be hurt in the process!
...How they could think of covering patients with leaves just to keep the patients covered from the scorching heat!
...How a pregnant tech could still think of the patient’s ventilator first before her own well-being resulting in premature labor!
...How everyone put patients’ well-being before themselves!
...How even the injured staff continued to help out!
...How someone can carry the hospital bed or the oxygen tanks!
...How they can try to comfort the shocked patients and families with kind words inspite of their own uncertainties!
...How the patients remained strong inspite of the ordeal!
...How volunteer firefighters, paramedics, policemen, rescuers and other civil servants extended their services knowing the dangers they may encounter!
...How family and friends who cared expressed their concern by phone or FB!
...How looters and other bad elements were prevented from preying the helpless!
...How much everyone prayed with us and for us!
It is heartwarming to know that everyone have immediately regained their HIGH SPIRITS and have done their best for the recovery process.
...How the top management have dealt with the disaster!
...How everyone tried to assess their own areas and clean it up after even when they were weary after the incident!
...How those off-duty still came to help out!
...How even ex-staff have come to extend their help!
...How maintenance have tried to fixed up the facility fast so that it doesn’t look so depressing now!
...How many patients want to come back!
...How the responsible parties have made know their intentions to help!
These are just some of the stories, but it all boils down to LOVE AND SERVICE!
There may have been less happy tales but that only comprises a small group and hopefully, did not negatively affect the majority.
We also have heard of some less helpful reactions from others (external forces) where money is the prime root, but we hope some realizations may be made along the way!
After all the shattered glass have been swept away... windows and doors replaced... all the fallen ceilings fixed ... giddy nerves calmed... uncertainties answered... disrupted operations trying to get back into place... and all the smiles back in everyone’s faces, we know we have a loving God who is taking care of us and protecting us!
We have learned so much from this experience!
... That all material things may disappear in an instant... so everyone should be prepared in every way!
... That it is not the end of the world...and there is always a solution no matter how grave the problem is.
... That fears and anxieties of the "near-death" experience and the unknown are natural reactions...but let's spring back to reality so better things can happen!
... That people care...and let’s appreciate each other more.
... That each one has his role to play and have to play it well.
... That we pray for guidance and enlightenment as we do what we have to do as we start anew.
... That there is no other way but UP!
... That THANKS may not be enough...but this comes from the bottom of our hearts and we know you all have a place in heaven.
... and That God is good all the time!
