A lesson learned...

My Sorento got bumped from behind yesterday. The girl driver behind me didn't have her eyes on the road, and braked too late. There wasn't any dent. Just a few scratches that will have me pay around 4,000 pesos to get the whole panel repainted. I should be seething with anger at this girl's stupidity. At first I was. But after the whole incident of waiting for the cops and going to the police station and all, my anger slowly evaporated and was replaced by pity. I had a realization last night, while driving home from the police station. I think the reason why this happened was for me to see how lucky I am. The girl was 23 years old, and early motherhood had already stripped her of the luster of youth. Her husband, according to her, was jobless. She didn't have family members in Manila, save for in-laws who were not willing to help her out of the situation. She was a sorry case.

When the accident happened, I called my brother, Ant, for assistance. He's the one who's knowledgeable on cars, and I knew he would know what to do. My bro asked where I was, dropped what he was doing and immediately rushed to the scene. He was there in no time. After a while, my fiance also drove to the location as soon as he got my call. If my Dad wasn't out of town that day, he would've come to my rescue as well. Not that I looked like a damsel in distress. I was standing there in a bright dress and high heels and red curly hair, berating the young driver who had no money to shell out for the damage she caused. But then I also had a family and a fiance who would rush to my side in times of need, anytime, and wherever they may be. I am not alone. That's what makes me very lucky.

The young girl's uncle appeared out of nowhere at the police station, and had the guts to act obnoxiously as if I was the one at fault. He was the kind of middle-aged man na hindi naman big-time, umasenso lang ng konti umasta na as if he's the boss but he's really just an employee. Not that I'm belittling him. If he acted politely and deserving of respect, I wouldn't tell everyone about how pathetic he was. He looked at the damage and said, "Insurance na lang. 4,000? That's robbery." When I relayed this line to my Dad that night, he said, "Kawawa naman. Kung nandun ako, binigay ko na lang sa kaniya yung 4,000." Frankly, we didn't need them to pay for the damages because we can very easily have it done ourselves. We just wanted the reckless young girl to learn a lesson and own up to her mistake. But unfortunately, she was in the company of people who had twisted views on respect, humility and what is right and wrong.

Again, that's what makes me very lucky. I have a respectable family. My Dad raised and taught me well. I am never alone. When I find myself in trouble, there will always be people rushing to my aid. I'm 31 and I have a terrific career. I'm engaged to the most wonderful man who will make sure he's always there to hold my hand when I'm in a rut. Plus, I sparkle. Tee-hee!

So, quite naturally, my Dad told me to drop the case. It's a waste of time and effort. That's how forgiving my Dad is. This is like the 3rd or 4th time he let our offenders go without paying for the damages. When my sister got hit by a tricycle driver, the guy was sincerely apologetic and pooled a total of two thousand pesos from his "kita" that day. We didn't get the money, and we admired his humbleness and his effort to make up for what he did wrong. His father probably taught him well, too.

Lord I come before You, desiring to provide thanks.
Father, I have so much to be thankful for, things unseen and seen,
that You have done in my life.