A brave little girl who grew up beautifully despite what her mother experienced days before she could see the real world.
6 years ago, Tropical Storm Washi or known as Tropical Storm Sendong in the Philippines hits Cagayan de Oro City. My cousin was 9 months pregnant at that time and already waiting for her due date when the tragedy happens. It was past midnight that the water reached the 2nd floor of our house that made all of us panicked on how to escape safely. Luckily, our relatives find ways to rescue us through our window. My pregnant cousin successfully climbed up to the rooftop with the help and guidance of everybody, one of our cousin would act as a chair for her to go up the firewall. From firewalls to roofs to ladders just to reach the three-story house which is five houses away from ours.
We stayed on the rooftop of our neighbor's house with the other evacuees waiting and praying for the heavy rain to stop and the rescuers to find us. All of us were worried that anytime that night she will be in labor but praise God she’s fine aside from shivering due to the rain and wind. It was already morning that we were able to go down the house safely with the help of our relatives in the area.
After 5 days, my cousin gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Kassandra Myll. She’s fondly called as Heart, when she was days old she was called as Sendang because of Sendong but was stopped for Sendong brought pain to all of us while heart gave us hope and a reason to smile again despite what happened.
Heart grew up to be a jolly and smart kid and yesterday, 21st of December, she celebrated her 6th birthday. I’m so happy to see her growing to be a girl with a beautiful heart, true to the name given to her.
Heart is the miracle that we received from our downfall that gave us hope and courage to rise up for a new life.
Thanks for reading! Praying for the safety of everyone in the Philippines for a Tropical Storm Vinta is expected to fall today.
