Hello, Blog.
I'm back but not really back for sure. I thought I will be able to write more last year but things happened and sitting and reflecting did not involve writing it down (except on my journal) onto this blog. This year, I hope I am able to write down a few things again, even only for the reason that I will have something to look back at when I'm older.
This year, I would like to achieve a more prayerful life, with time to reflect on things. I hope for a calmer life than last year.
Today, I remember my teacher who passed away a little over a year ago. He was not my classroom teacher, but my mentor at work. When I got to know him, he was already a legend - at school and in the industry. He was a strict teacher and very intellectual. He had a passion for teaching and even with his arthritic hands, he made great efforts to draw the things he wanted to illustrate. The last drawing of his that I have was the one he made effortlessly while trying the writing capability on my iPad. He drew Snoopy, because he said, he is his favorite.
Doc T passed away after a year of fighting a sickness that we would only assume as cancer, with old age. He is missed. I miss him.
He was like a grandfather to me and a great teacher. I dreaded his wandering days early in my working days at the office because every discussion with him was like a thesis defense. Every correct answer or convincing point recognized by him during discussions with him would feel like I've hit the lotto. Every "You're right" comment from him will feel like you were in cloud 9. And every mistakes will make you try harder the next time to make your work better. I miss him.
He was never my classroom teacher. He left the University way before I entered it but I would see him from time to time visiting our lab during my Master's years when he would visit my adviser. It was only at the office though that I got to know him. Eventually, he would become one of the most important persons in my academic life. After struggling for almost ten years finishing my Master's degree, I find myself in front of a panel of examiners for my thesis defense. I feel honored that he was one of them. Some previous students of his, now professors themselves, were there to "watch him in action" because to them, he was a terror. To me, he was a savior. Because of him and my other teachers (who braved the typhoon on my way to my thesis defense), I graduated. So I am thankful.
Today, I remember him and all that is good that is him. I choose to believe that he came to heaven and became one of my guardian angels. Lord, keep him always by your side, together with my family who has also joined you in heaven as well. Amen.
