It was in December 2011 when the Typhoon Sendong struck our place. It was devastating. It took many lives. More or less 1000 people went missing and about 1000 also died. We survived but the scars of the typhoon's memories still linger in our hearts.
Photos during the aftermath of the Typhoon Washi
Photos during the aftermath of the Typhoon Washi
My biological parents' home as a result of Sendong's fury
During the Typhoon, the bridge nearby to our home was destroyed. The ravaging waters brought the huge logs downstream. It stuck at the bridge and when it lost its power to hold the logs, it surrendered finally, a loud boom resounded the village.
I heard that huge sound. We were at the roof when we heard that. As the waters continually rising, we uttered prayers, sang hymns and exchange opinions on what we may do next in order to survive. But when the bridge collapsed, suddenly the flood stopped. Everything subsided.
That was the story of the old bridge.
The remains of the old bridge is still there. We can still see it and remember that night of calamity's horror and God's intervention. We can still recall how life was different prior to the disaster and during the aftermath. It remains a memento of change, of death, of life, and of hope.
Caption: The new bridge symbolizes the people's persistence to continue living and choice to be happy
Five years after that tropical storm devastated our place, a new bridge was built. We were happy and quite excited. It was a like a confirmation that the people, though has never forgotten the old story, has already moved on and is looking forward for more blessings.
As we stroll around the new bridge, we noticed that it was bigger and higher than the old one. From the new bridge, we can see the ruins of the old one. I couldn't completely described how I felt. I had mixed emotions. The height and the entire image of the bridge seemed to be God's way of telling me, "the past is gone, I've got more amazing plans for you!"
Caption: Despite the darkness of the past, I can still see the rays of hope of tomorrow. Can you see the "old bridge" behind me? :)
Caption: I gazed at the river, it was serene...
Caption: My sister standing amidst the piles of gravels
As I gaze at the river, I couldn't help but wonder on its serenity. During the typhoon, its waters flashed and flooded into the houses. It even destroyed our things, our homes, and our neighbors' lives. In life, there are tough times also, but serene times are coming, too.
Caption: Mandulog River
The bridge has now become a tourist spot. During the Typhoon Sendong commemoration day in December, people usually held it there. They would sometimes bring balloons or doves and let it fly.
Some also would just do some exercise or date with friends. Others would simply pray and ponder at the ups and downs of life.
Our bridge may not be a UNESCO World Heritage. But it has its own unique story to tell.
Steem on! Excelsior forevermore!
