(This one’s for you, pal.)
For those who don’t know (Casanova) Ron, here’s a little about him.
He and I were paired together for our UNFPA work. Actually I kind of asked for him since we had met by chance the day before.
Ron’s a good kid. He’s smart, savvy, analytical, extremely respectful (which to me is one of his most impressive qualities) and is filled with compassion. He’s the kind of person you’d want for a son and the one you’d be glad to find knocking on your door to call on your daughter. You’d be lucky to call him friend, know him as a brother and be blessed to hell and back again to have him at your side during a crisis.
He lives 1 1/2 hours away from Tacloban by bus. When the city was hit by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, Ron walked all the way here the very next day to check on the area. It took him 4 hours through what I can only imagine was nothing short of horrifying as he traveled to see his countryside ravaged by Mother Nature. And he’s been here since volunteering in the efforts.
The Filipino people should be proud to name him among them. At the time of this writing, he went home for a couple of days and will be back on Monday. He’s bringing me the best Tuba (coconut wine) that he can find. Safe travels on your way there and back again. I’ll be here when you arrive as I’m extending my stay by a few days.
If they were giving awards for unsung heroes, Ron would blow the competition out of the water. He’s got my vote all day long.
Ron, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you, bud. I see nothing but the best for you. No other deserves it more.
And if you don’t get what you want out of this world, let me know. I’ll rip it in fucking half to ensure that you do. Believe that. Anytime. Any place. I’ve got your back as you’ve had mine this whole time.
You’re all heart, pal, and you give me a shining ideal to strive for as a man and a citizen of the world. You’ve set a high bar and steep slope to climb to the top. I’ll try to meet you there. Just wait for me. I’m not as young as I used to be.
Love ya, man. Be good — I know you will. It’s who you are.
David
This is great! Kuya Ron is really great! 🙂