Happy birthday Mama Mary!

This was my second visit to the dermatologist. And she told me I have nothing to worry about. I only had to continue applying the cream on the affected area. I had the cancer scare and I prayed hard as I always do, that it is not cancer. Thank God and all saints. And the news came on this day, the birthday of Mama Mary. 

More than 10 years ago, I got was confined for bronchitis. I had been smoking two packs of cigarette a day. After 5 days of confinement, I realized the hazards of smoking are real. As if I didn't know...So when I was discharged, I quit smoking, cold turkey. No candies, no artificial cigarettes. 

I believe that was a wake-up call. When my sister, Florabel had colon cancer, I knew then that Jesus, the Healer spared me. Thank God!

I went to church, prayed the rosary and lighted candles in thanksgiving.

Living alone...

I could not leave for Seattle together with my friend on July 15 because my passport with the tourist visa had not arrived. The advice said it usually takes at least  10 days for processing and mailing. Today is  the 9th day, and it has not arrived. Hope and pray it will arrive tomorrow, the 10th day.

So for the past six days I have been alone in the apartment. I went out once to the embassy to see my friends there. And every two days, I would throw away the garbage to the bin exclusively for residents of our apartments and then drop by the grocery store nearby. 

I can't say living alone is boring, because I am a homebody. There are always things to do, aside from cleaning the house, washing and ironing clothes. I upload photographs of our travels I took last month to Facebook, or send some to instagram and CNN iReport. 
And of course now I have time to write my blog.

I have resumed reading again, this time a novel by Dag Solstad, reputably Norway's "bravest, most intelligent novelist" entitled 'Professor Andersen's Night'. This was recommended by a journalist-friend. I haven't read any novel in ages...

But living alone is lonesome. At the end of the day I long for someone to talk to, someone I can share my joys and dreams; someone who can advise me whenever I have problems and heartaches. And of course someone to share the pillow with me.

But prayers help me get by. I turn to God as I always do. I pray to Jesus, Mama Mary, St Joseph and all saints who have always helped me. And I read the Bible readings and gospel for the day. 
My faith helps me get through the day.

Thank God! US tourist visa after denials...

Finally, after two or three denials, my application for tourist visa was approved by the US Embassy here in Oslo. I asked friends and family to pray the Lord will grant me this wish. Thank God, Mama Mary and all saints ( can't mention them all here). 

Last Thursday, July 9 was a red letter day. It was actually the 9th day of my novenas to Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and St. Expeditus. My friend, Merlyn,told me to relax and believe that the visa will be given. And with a lot of confidence and Faith, I relaxed. 

The Consul/ officer who interviewed me was very nice and not intimidating.I think he was in his early 50's. I was prepared to answer questions they usually asked : about my husband ( we are separated in fact), my daughter, and the purpose of my trip. I didn't bring any documents about financial capability like bank accounts, cars, house,etc. If these were to be asked, I had my friend's Affidavit of Support and Employment Contract. 

The last time my application was denied in Athens (2011), the officer could not believe I  was already separated. "Why are you still wearing your wedding ring?" he asked, looking at my accessory ring. I took it off, showed him that it was just one of those accessories I bought for 7 Euros from a Filipino. It was not my wedding ring. That didn't help.

I have always wondered why my visa applications were denied three times when I had been to the US three times - in 1981 (A2 visa), 1994 (B1/B2 visa) and in 2005 (A2 visa). And I would  emphasize that after all these travels to the US, I always returned to the Philippines. I never thought of doing a TNT even when my daughter was already an immigrant, and now a US citizen.   

This time, the Consul just asked me about the purpose of my trip and my relationship with the friend who was inviting me, about my employer (Diplomat) and about my work as the Private Staff. I had a feeling he already studied my application and whatever appeared in my past applications. After interviewing No. 44, I noticed he was reading documents, and I think it took him about 10 minutes or so. Little did I know that I would be his next interviewee at No. 46!

I was anxiously waiting for the verdict. Then he said, with a smile, " Okay, I will give you your visa. But you come back." I almost cried and said, " Yes, yes, I will. God bless you!"

Now I am waiting for the passport with the US visa. Hope and pray it will arrive soon.

God is good. He answers our prayers in His time. Though I have unanswered prayers yet, I believe He knows what is best. 

#DearPopeFrancis:Please Pray for cancer patients, published in Rappler, Jan. 17, 2015

April 13, 2015...I am now in Oslo, Norway. My diplomat friend was crossposted  here for two years to complete her six year tour of duty. So I will change my subheading , from Athens...to Oslo...

Some events in my family the past two years have left me sad but not bitter.Out eldest sister died of colon cancer last November 2014. We never thought our family had cancer. And it devastated us. But I never for a moment questioned God. I continue to pray for  the repose of the soul of my sister, Florabel. And most especially, to spare us this dreaded disease. 

I am rewriting here my article which was published in Rappler on January 17, 2015 in time for the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. I thought others who have not read it may read it here.

Dear Pope Francis: Please pray for cancer patients
by Miles Viernes

One clear afternoon on January 12, 1995- 20 years ago- hundreds of thousands lined the streets from the old Manila International Airport to Roxas Boulevard to greet Pope John Paul II, one of history's most beloved popes. It was the second visit of the Pope to the Philippines. The 5-day visit was in time for the observance of the 10th World Youth Day.

I was one of the hundreds of thousands who patiently waited for the convoy of the Pope to pass by. And 4 days after, I was also one of the more than 3 million people who attended the 10 am mass at the Quirino Grandstand that marked the closing of the 10th World Youth Day. It was reportedly the biggest gathering during the Pope's 16-year reign.

I vividly remember those days not only because of its significance to us Catholics, but most especially because our eldest sister, Florabel, was still with us. I can still recall the spark in her eyes and the smile on her lips as she intently listened to the message of Pope John Paul II. With her signature abaniko (fan), she tirelessly fanned us to lessen the heat of the blazing sun.

We sat among millions at the Quirino Grandstand together with my daughter, who is now in the US, and my close friend in the foreign service.

Unfortunately, my sister passed away about two months ago at the intensive care unit of a hospital. It was really heartbreaking to see my dear sister for 3 weeks, with tubes connected to her mouth, nose and legs. I had to put up a brave front to give her moral support. During the few minutes allowed for visits, she would silently join me as I recited the healing prayers and prayers to Jesus and Mama Mary. And then at the end of the prayers she would open her mouth and try to say, "Amen".

In 2013 she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She survived more than 12 hours at the operating table, thanks to able surgeons and prayers of our family, relatives and friends. For almost a year she lived a normal life. She gained weight and was in her usual cheerful disposition. She was hopeful she would live long like other cancer survivors. But I guess something went wrong along the way and the inevitable happened.

Cancer is a heartbreaking reality for many across the world. According to the World Health Organization, there were at least 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths.

On that sad day in November last year, she looked at me with imploring eyes as if to say goodbye. I watched helplessly, held her hands and whispered in her ears, "I"m sorry Manang Belle, we did our best."

I knew that deep in her heart she wanted to live. We prayed for a miracle. But I guess it is God's will.

I miss those happy moments with my dear sister. If she were still alive today, I am sure she would join us to welcome Pope Francis in his historic visit to the Philippines in January. Even at past 60, I know she would still have the stamina to wade through the millions who would be at the Quirino Grandstand for the Mass. Now she must be looking at the vast crowd of people who would gather on January 18( the day Pope Francis will hold a Mass at the same venue), just like the time we were there on January 12, 1995.

#DearPopeFrancis: Please pray for all persons afflicted with cancer. And pray for the repose of the souls who have succumbed to the disease, like my sister Florabel so that they will join our Creator in Heaven.