I grew up in Angeles City, near the biggest US military facility outside of the continental US, Clark Air Base. So, I was exposed to American things and culture early in my life. All the good things we liked and enjoyed came from Clark – foods, clothes, appliances, and yes, comic books! I would often find myself then daydreaming what it would be like to live in the US, the source of all the good things I was enjoying as a kid. I would spend hours in such daydreams but never did I really believed they would become a reality. Now, I live in the US enjoying many of the things I used to daydream about.
One the the most memorable dreams I had as a child was meeting and falling in love with a beautiful girl – ling hair, winsome smile, cute pixie nose, subtly pronounced cheekbones, and a Tagala. I would replay the image in my mind, which ultimately defined my ideal and definition of beauty. I did not immediately realize it but I am now certain that that girl I dreamt of is none other than Anabelle.
I daydreamed a lot as a child, often being one of the characters from the comic books I got from Clark. But in real life, my dreams were simple. I saw myself being a life-time teacher like my father. All I wanted was a beautiful and loving wife, two children, good books to read with good music playing in the background, and occasionally a wonderful feast to celebrate important dates in our lives. I never saw myself leaving Angeles City. And I would have been a very happy man. All these I have today but at several levels higher than what I bargained for. I’ve got me the most beautiful and loving wife and not two but three devoted and affectionate sons. And I am not even yet talking of the grandchildren. I have access to all the good books I can think of. I can have the music I love on demand. And least night, we just had an excellent roasted lamb for dinner to celebrate Anabelle’s birthday.
I imagine the apostles during that first Easter. All their worst fears, and some they had not even thought of, have come true. Now they were despondent and cowering in fear. Then, all of a sudden, against all that is logical and to be expected, the Lord has risen, as He had promised. He turned their mourning into rejoicing, their sorrow into joy and their fears into hearts burning with love and courage.
Easter is the season of the unexpected. It is the season of surprises. It is the time when our wildest daydreams become a reality. I believe in Easter.
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
~ Psalm 8
The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way,
and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.
While they were still speaking about this,
he stood in their midst and said to them,
“Peace be with you.”
But they were startled and terrified
and thought that they were seeing a ghost.
Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled?
And why do questions arise in your hearts?
Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones
as you can see I have.”
And as he said this,
he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed,
he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
They gave him a piece of baked fish;
he took it and ate it in front of them.
Luke 24:35-48