Readers most often than not may have wondered or curious why in all the 525 columns I have written for Baguio Midland Courier, they always ended with “Sigh”.
Some writers end their work with a period, but my “sigh” is my exclamation point. Different strokes for different folks, so it may mean different things to different people in the real world.
Now that I am writing my last Midland column, it may be fitting to attempt to explain what “sigh” meant, at least for me.
I sigh when I face “writer’s block”, staring at the computer, waiting to type down words of wisdom or something fleeting, funny or worse, sad.
I sigh when I hope the two-seater de-luxe bus seat next to me would be empty or the restroom be vacant when I urgently need to pee.
I sigh as I rush not to be late for a hearing, meeting, church, or even a party. I sigh waiting for the verdict of the judge in a case I handled, although deep in me I have given my best for my cause.
I sigh waiting for an appointment in the executive branch that never was or results for a test, an election, or even an MRI or biopsy.
I sigh when I pray for a more peaceful life for my children and theirs, or plead to the Supreme Being to unload the burden they are facing, to ease the pain and hurt that life, vices, and people give us.
I sigh to live in a place where children can run free, to have even a second, nay a minute of joy and happiness.
Then again, I sigh for the arrival of a new life or hear the first cry of a newborn, a welcome addition to the family, someone to love, care for, nurture, cherish.
I sigh(ed) when a loved one dies, last breath of someone in pain, heart that stopped beating. I sigh because of the sorrow and sadness it gave to those who were left behind survi-ving to face the tragic loss. The memory of the departed however lives on forever in our hearts, mind, and soul.
On the other hand, I sigh(ed) for the one who went ahead, as it just might be the end of pain and suffering and the thought of having eternal peace suddenly becomes a welcome relief.
I sigh when I think of illness or the forever disability or because I have not lived life to its fullest or I feel incomplete, stressed out, or strained.
I sigh when I keep reaching for the stars but keep my feet on the ground anyway, taking care not to harm other people along the way. I sigh when I get so engrossed with the thrills that life has to offer or get mixed up and mired in a pool of challenges and difficulties.
I sigh because I am contented, satisfied with what I have and can burst into laughter, cry, heal a wounded heart, and ease the suffering of my fellowmen in my own little way.
In sum, the sigh is exhaling, holding my breath, hoping, dreading anticipating, fearing, praying, agonizing, expecting, going through life’s ups and downs.
For this column and the paper, the sigh signals the end of an era, but then again, life goes on.
Sigh.
