Am I Ready to Die?

Fernan Lopez

     What is the essence of life? How can we fully say that we have lived our lives well? How can we live amidst the inevitable circumstances? After the devastation of typhoon Sendong, both victims and non-victims are able to ponder on these simple yet often neglected thoughts. Seeing the dead bodies piled-up on the streets the day after the devastation made the people question themselves. Am i ready to die?

     The Sendong devastation made everyone in Cagayan de Oro contemplate on the views of death and safety. Looking back to where it all began, when the supposedly typhoon-free Cagayan de Oro suffered from the destruction of Sendong. On December 16,2011, a strong rain poured all over the city. The people who were tired of drinking sprees, parties and whole day's work tucked on their beds and slept soundly. Midnight came and the rain still poured heavily. It turned out to be an unforgettable nightmare when water from  the mountains gushed down towards the city and in a matter of seconds, flooded the barangays near the river banks. the chilly wind blew while people were screaming on the top of their lungs either asking for help or crying for their loss. They were filled with regrets on the things that they have done towards their fellowmen. They tried to save their belongings instead of saving others. They almost forgot that the essence of life cannot be found on worldly things. 

     We may say that we are not among those people who value things rather than people. We may defend ourselves but we should always remember in a one way or another that we are among those people who will thrive for worldly honor rather than helping a friend out. With the limited time we have on this world we should make sure that we will not regret anything. Living right does not only mean as to live by the norms of society but also to treasure, to express and to value people. Who knows another typhoon might destruct our city again? Death is just around the corner. Value everything you have that you might not ask the same question - Am I ready to die?