Big Things Come in Small Packages

For some, birthday celebrations are mandatory. But for our family, birthdays are seldom celebrated. The 16th day of March 2011, for other people, is just a typical day. But for me, it was more than what met my eyes and what I have felt during that day. I woke up feeling lively and sound. For a while, I stopped and started counting the days in the calendar. Adrenalines rushed through my system when I remembered correctly. I will never be wrong—today is my birthday. That brimming feeling of excitement suddenly wore off because if I remember correctly, we seldom celebrate birthdays; this day is not an exception.

Before I left for school, my mother bade me goodbye, greeted me and gave me 300 pesos. Of course, I thankfully accepted the gift, kissed her and offered my respect as I left the house. When I reached the school, my heart filled with joy as most of my classmates, friends, friends of my friends and even those whom I don’t know cheerfully greeted me. I was never used to this kind of treatment that is why I replied nothing but thank you.

I was on my fourth year that time so everyone is busy with everything concerning graduation. I, too, was busy loitering around the campus to find every advisers of every organization I am in. I know very well that as a student, signatures of advisers for extracurricular activity certifications are of great necessity especially if you are a graduating one.

Walking for half a day is a tiring work so I decided to take my lunch and went back to school. It was during that time when one of my classmates told me that I am being called by our adviser. My heart started to beat fast since I am not used to being called by my teachers if it is not class discussion. Random thoughts gushed through my mind. Things like, what if there has been a problem on my grades or have I done anything wrong were coming in and out of my head. When I entered her office, I slightly noticed a weird smile on her face. She ordered me something which I didn’t hear clearly because the beating of my heart that time was louder compared to her voice. I just said ok and went out of her office. All my senses were back and suddenly I felt something weird is happening around me. Where are my other classmates?

As I went out the room, together with my classmate, I tried to gather up all of my thoughts. I was nervous that time because I’m afraid my teacher would scold me if I relay a different message to another teacher. In order to reach the department of that teacher, we have to pass through the football field. As I was approaching the field, I was happy to see all of my classmates there, facing at the opposite direction. I was only a few meters away from them when they unanimously faced me and started singing a song—Happy Birthday. I didn’t know what to say or what to react. I only stood there for some time while my eyes unconsciously dispensed drop by drop of tears.

I have never felt something like this before, I said to myself. All I have ever replied to them was a big smile, and a bigger thank you. A lot of students passing by were looking at us as if we are out of our minds. They also made me blow some candleless cupcakes which, also, I didn’t expect them to prepare. One of my classmates suddenly wiped my face with an icing. Another decanted a half-full pail of water in me. We all fooled around until our energy can take. Each has enjoyed and I was still overflowing with joy. I took the courage to stand in front of them, gave them an impromptu ‘I really appreciated your efforts, thank you very much guys’ speech and again, gave them a hug.

Some of my classmates went home while some, together with me, went on a local bar. Of course, a rich classmate of mine treated us for a light snack. After that, we contacted a tricycle that is willing to take us to our homes. I was the first one to be dropped in front of my grandmother’s house, wet and sticky but happy.

My grandmother was shocked to see me in such condition. Of course, I spent some time to explain to her why I was in such state. After that, I went to my mother in my aunt’s house and hurriedly opened the door to share my experience. The door was locked. I knocked once, no one answered. I knocked twice, again, no one answered. I was about to knock thrice when the door suddenly opened and standing in front of me were my cousins, my aunt and my mother while shouting happy birthday. I was knocked off twice this day, I said to myself as I finally released a big laugh.

Sometimes it is best to be contented with what you have especially with things that are materially undeterminable—love of family and love of friends.