My parents' text messages

My parents were, for the most part, repulsed by technology. Only after my mother bought a cell phone a couple of years back did she realize it wasn't impossible to learn these things—texting, like almost everything else, can be mastered by practice. My father soon caught the interest and used a hand-me-down model from Sean.

Since then, it became easier to contact them, although my father usually leaves his phone at home when he visits the farm. I call them often, usually at times when the words on my books no longer make sense, or when I feel like the world is crashing down on me, or when I want to have a taste of home.

When I told them I passed the exam:
All glory and honor belong to God alone, keep up your good work. I'm proud of you, Lance.

When I told them I was bogged down:
Ok, have patience and perseverance.

When I told them I failed:
Lance, don't give up. Maybe God has a purpose. Don't be discouraged.

When I didn't text them for the day:
Lance, howdy? Hope di stressful ang araw mo.

Tatay makes me laugh like no other person could. He makes sure I have a stack of Sustagen and biscuits in my apartment. I think his greatest fear is to hear the news that I fainted in school because of an empty stomach. You see, that happened once in Kindergarten, and he's determined not to let that happen again.

Nanay likes hearing my narratives and always offers words of advice. Talking to her is better than the best pain killer. She's a better texter than my father.

I'm thankful for my parents, of course, and often, I feel that I do not deserve all their sacrifices. But I'm even more thankful to God, whose love for me is a gazillion times more. He, too, hears me out in better ways than my parents do, and I don't even need a Globe SIM to talk to Him.

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with out weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16).