Deo Gratias By Benjie M. Manila III-BEED-I Nejie was an orphan young teenager.

His parents died in a demolition in a squatters area where they lived before. The squatters led by his father fought the authorities that eventually led them to their death bed. Nejie, you should not wish to be like the landowners who were greedy and evil, his mother told him. Remember, its not always smooth on top, she added. Her mothers words deeply rooted on his heart. The priest on their parish adopted Nejie and taught him doctrines and churchs stuffs. Because he had the heart to learn, he familiarized those things easily. The priest also taught him about the mystery of the 100 days prayer to the Virgin Mary. He learned that after 100 days of praying, your prayer will be answered. In his young innocent mind, he believed what the priest had said. He started to pray to the image. Nejie developed the talent of playing the organ in the parish, he played so well. Whenever he touched the key of the organ, it seemed that he also touched the hearts of the listeners. He played every day in the mass and during the times when he felt sad and lonely and especially whenever he missed his parents. Playing a song right every after mass with his organ served as an outlet of his emotions. Days went by and his desire never faded. It was his only prayer to the Virgin Mary. He wanted to be the best musician in the world- famous and rich. Every day he prayed for that. One day, it seemed like nothing happened to his prayer. There was no assurance that it will be answered, it was his 95th day. He felt sad and as always he played his mothers lullaby on the orga n to comfort himself. He was so sad and down that he failed to notice a man kneeling before the Mother Marys image. The stranger was greatly moved on how he played the lullaby. Every movement of his fingers on the keys made the strangers heart to draw into tears. After he had played the lullaby, the stranger approached him.What a nice piece, said the stranger. Nejie looked up and smile. I once dreamed to be a musician too. We are rich and famous, but our riches couldnt lead me to my desire, my happiness. I put up a business and it became successful. I Married the woman I loved, had a beautiful young girl. The stranger continued. Nejie was astonished that the stranger opened up those things to him. The stranger noticed that he was surprised. I was greatly moved by your music, the stranger said. I just thought you are a nice person. He added. Nejie smiled to the stranger half-heartedly. He could see that the stranger was so problematic but he also had his own struggles to bear. You know what sir, riches could not give us the happiness that we desire. He said. Its nice to be on top. But sometimes, its not always smooth on it. He added. The stranger was surprised by his wisdom and realized that what the young lad had uttered was true. May you reach your hearts prayers. The stranger smiled and left. As he got near to the 100th day, Nejie became more weary but he never lost his hope that God will really answer his prayers. He never forgot to kneel down before the image holding on to the promises of the 100th day prayer. In his young and innocent heart lies a dream waiting to be fulfilled. One night, in his room. 95th, 96th, 97th. He marked on his calendar. There were only three days left. Nejies heart beat so fast excited. He was stopped by the knock in his humble room. come in! he said. It was Ruel. Ruel was an ordinary school boy. He neither topped the exams nor always became the best in everything he did. He was an altar boy who always committed mistakes. He had wished that someday his parents will be proud of him and accept him for who he was.

I failed the exams. Ruel told Nejie with teary eyes. My parents are mad at me and throw me away from home and told me that I was such a disgrace to the family. he added between whimpers and sobs. Someday your parents will soon realize how precious you are. Nejie comforted him. When would that be? he asked. One day they will see me successful in my own simple ways and when that day comes they will look-up to me and see how great I am, he added with anger slowly sprouting on his heart. Nejie noticed the rage in the little boys eyes. You must not speak that way. They are still your parents. said Nejie trying to pacify the anger in his heart. And you must not aim the top for revenge. Remember Ruel, it is not always smooth on top. The boy looked at Nejie still with rage in his eyes. Nejie did not know if Ruel got the meaning of what he said. All he know was that he had made his best to keep the boy back on the right track. He just left the rest to God. The most awaited morning came, Nejie woke up early with a smile on his face. It was the day he was waiting for- the 100th day! He was so excited, full of positive thoughts, looking forward to the fulfillment of his prayer. That day he believed that hell be the best musician in the world - rich and famous. He was at his best that day. He wore his favorite t-shirt, sprayed a perfume on his body which he rarely did. He was so light-hearted and had an immeasurable happiness in his heart that reflected in his face. He was so happy and gay. He smiled at every person that came his way. He entered the church and went his way towards the choir loft and made himself ready for the holy mass. The songs that he played were simple and ordinary but he played it well with his heart in it. The people noticed how beautiful and solemn the music that was being played. Every melody that was created touched the heart of the people as to how he touched the keys in the organ. Many cried in tears because they were greatly moved by the solemnity of the celebration caused by the music played by Nejie. He did not noticed it. What he had in mind was that, that day God will give him what he had prayed for. The mass had ended but he never left the church. What if God will grant my prayers here? I might lost the chance, he patiently waited. He kneeled down before the Mother Marys image and prayed. This is the day that youve promise me to grant my prayers, he said with radiance in his face. He was so glad. Moments passed and tears fell in his eyes one after another. He didnt know why. Suddenly, the memory of his parents flashed into his mind. The sweet smile of his mother and the warm embrace of his father made him sober and cried. Wherever you are, I hope you are happy for me, he uttered softly. He miss his parents very much. I am near the completion of my dreams. I can now take vengeance to those who ruin our happy life. He said with firmness on his thoughts. He knew that God will hear his prayers. He became the most obedient child as what God wanted him to be. There would be no reason for Him(God) not to grant his simple wish. The night came and yet nothing happened. But still he kept on waiting. He thought that maybe God was just testing his patience. But the waiting now pains him so much. The radiant and happy face of Nejie that day turned into worries and dismays. He cant afford to fail th is time. God must not broke His promise. Disappointment began to draw on his face and anger entered into his heart. He was angry with God because he thought that he was just tricked. He was also angry with himself because he became a great fool to believe on that stupid promise. . He got drank that night so drunk that he cant even walk straight because of dizziness. It was near midnight and he walk along the highway. He was light-headed then that time. The streets were empty. There were no stars above the sky and the rain was about to fall. Even the stars betrayed him. He was so hurt and wounded.

Finally the rain fell and the wind blew hard. So hard that even the rain and the wind sympathized on his grief. He had too much of alcohol that he fell on the ground. He laughed on his foolishness. He blasphemed God. He was a liar for Nejie and he started to think that God didnt even exist. A light flashed far away from him. He knew that it was a big truck. Cmon! crushed me into pieces for there is no reason for me to live anymore! he shouted towards the truck. He did not leave his post where he fell in the middle of the road. He was certain to end all of his sufferings. He felt that all of those were too much to bear - the death of his parents, the disappointments and everything. The truck got near to him. PEEEEEEPPEEEEEP! the driver blew his horn to warn whoever was on that street. The storm fell angrily but Nejie was unmindful of it. Cmon! make it fast! Dont prolong my agony anymore! he shouted to the top of his voice. The truck went on its way, too fast and too late to stop even though the driver already stepped on the brakes. The road was wet and slippery. Nejie smiled, there was no turning back now. He was certain. Finally, he could now be free from pain and sufferings. The truck was a few meters away. The headlight of the truck flashed on his face and things happened so fast. Nejies body was thrown on the other side of the road. He felt a little pain. He held his chest. Things didnt happened according to what he was expecting again. He was not bumped by the truck. He was thrown on the other side of the road because someone saved him from being trodden. He looked around and saw a familiar face. He was not dizzy now and he could see things clear. It was Ruel who saved him. Ruel was on the bushes on the side of the road, bloody. Nejie went near him in difficulty. He checked on Ruel. He was still alive and breathing. Nejie tried to carry him on his arms. Wake-up you stupid fool! Why did you do that? Nejie shouted that he hardly hear his voice because of the storm. Ruel turned towards him and said, what youve prayed for, you already had even before the 100 th day came. You just did not notice because you were just blinded by the vengeance in your heart. You are a great musician for the people who know you. Youve got a great talent that God has given you. You touched our hearts just by your music. He added with difficulty. Nejie couldnt find his words. His mind was illuminated by the words of that little boy who once sought his help. Anger left him and he felt so sorry for his stupidity. The boy was right. God already answered his prayers. He just did not notice it. He was blinded by his different view of success because of vengeance. Maybe God dont want you to be on top always. Have you forgotten what you told me? Ruel continued, It is not always smooth... Ruel hardly talked. He coughed and blood came out and breathed his last, on top. Nejie cried and realized. thank you God. Deo Gratias!

DEO GRATIAS

Benjie M. Manila
III-BEED