I believe musicians have a duty, a responsibility to
reach out, to share love or pain to others.
As an artist, I show my emotions through music and
singing. Though experiencing loss from a very loyal friend had been difficult,
music did not leave me.
Back
when I was a child I could still remember how happy I was with someone who had
been a great part of my life and those memories have been haunting me for
years.
The
memory was still vivid. Though it happened years ago, I still feel like being
time-warped to the moment when I was in the corner of the room all alone, all I
could hear was the heavy rain from the side of my window, as teardrops fell
from my swollen eyes in the middle of the night. I was hugging a picture
of my friend. A very spontaneous, wholehearted friend who was very
sanguine with her freedom was dearly missed. I could not resist her every
time she looks at me with her gigantic, soggy eyes. Her body was almost
diminutive because of her size. Despite of her body structure, she was a
benevolent damsel.
She
was a girl of consciousness. She was petrified with boys whenever other people
go see her especially those peculiar ones. She was convivial to girls.
And if you had known her, you’ll be delighted with her vigorous actions. Her
bubbliness always made us blissful. Having discussions with her made people
feel less agonized and valued. Her wittiness had been making us exultant that
we have a friend like her. As a matter of fact, a day hanging out with her
under the warm flickering sun was adorable. She possessed great values to boost your
morale. When we needed to stir a bit, we could distinguish what is behind each
other’s anxiety. She never worried things too much because for her it is a
waste of time. She loved her youthfulness.
She
was the one who believed in me—the one who never got tired of telling me that
it is one’s duty to aspire for greater steps to take in life. She had so
much hope for achieving her dreams. As a matter of fact, she viewed life as a
marathon. For her, life is a series of obstacles and hurdles that you would run
into and it is all up to you whether you’ll give up or go on to the next
stage.
Aside
from imparting me knowledge and giving me words of wisdom and encouragement,
she had been the one who told me that it is also one’s responsibility to bring
back the honour to God. As He gave us the gift of life and the talents that we
have, it is our obligation to hone and honour Him and offer our lives to Him.
She was an active church singer and at the same time, a Sunday school teacher.
She taught me to read the Bible and taught me how to pray and give thanks to
the Lord. I really thank Him because she was the one who told me how awesome
God is and I know it is no accident that I met her. I have never felt
appreciated on my life until I knew her.
Aside
from being Christians, we also have one thing in common—being in love with
music. I happened to be musically inclined with instruments as early as my
preparatory days. I knew who Beethoven, Mozart and other great musicians were.
And in her part, she played piano and guitar. As soon as she had gotten to know
me and learned that I loved music, she taught me the basics. After a while, I
had my own piano and guitar. I had my lessons with her on weekends and we
enjoyed sharing the same passion as we use these instruments to honour God. It
was our tradition to pray first before going on to the next lesson. Learning
these instruments and then using them to glorify His name, it really felt great
and then suddenly, I know this is my calling.
She
kept inspiring me through my love of music. And aside from being passionate
from acquiring it and using it to glorify Him, she was one of the many reasons
why I learned to write poems and sing songs about love and friendship.
Every
week, we exchange letters. Those letters were our compositions. We composed
songs. We had been like this for years. I called her as my mentor for she had
been coaching me ever since I learned to play these instruments and being able
to sing for God. Apart from teaching me these, she helped me on my school works
and with her help; I managed to get to the honour roll.
Then
the moment came. She was getting married. I hugged her very tight and
told her that I’ll miss her and all those moments that we’ve been through. I
was 8 years old that time. She whispered “I’m always here…” pointing
at my heart. Then she hugged me and promised me that she will still visit me in
our house and we will be still doing our thing---reading God’s word and playing
musical instruments.
She
never failed on keeping her promise. Like what she told me, I grew fonder of
playing musical instruments, writing songs, and reading God’s precious words.
My mom told me that she really had done a great work on teaching me these
things.
Though
we are far from each other, she never stopped trying to find out if I am
alright. I managed to get good grades and used to ace our exams. However,
I lost track with my priorities and I got addicted with computer games and
social networks. I got lazier and lazier and two years after, I was out
of the honour roll. My parents were shocked but I was not. I know that this
would happen. It was the first time that I got kicked out from the honour’s
list from being the top 5 in class, to nothing. Everybody was upset with the
results.
After
hearing the news, she immediately came and talked to me. After having a serious
discussion, I realized that I was too much dependent on others that I did not
know what my limitations and responsibilities were. She told me that I was not
a kid anymore and I need to learn things without anyone’s help because this is
the real world--- conquering life’s obstacles and being able to stand all by
myself. That was the time when I was able to fathom why God allowed it to
happen. He wanted me to learn that life can be lived to the fullest if I take
and play my part responsibly.
The
clear skies, the wind’s cool breeze and the swaying trees always remind me of
the times that we shared. My tutor, my friend, and my sister became a
willing vessel of God in making me realize the wonderful gifts of
knowledge and music. One day I will bring her a gift of love – sing
the song that I have written to honour her.
