The shabu addict

This is a shortened version of a story inspired by a true event, published in this column many years ago. Edgar was at the top of his class at Ateneo. Suddenly, he became a shabu addict. He started selling their home appliances to buy shabu. He had two sisters, Becky and Joann, who started hating him when he stole their jewelry. Suddenly, he failed three subjects. When he drew a knife on his mother for refusing to give him money, it was the last straw. She decided to bring him to Siser Raquel, the healer.

They arrived a day before Christmas at the healing center. The three women blurted out all their ill feelings against Edgar, who stood meekly in silence. Sister Raquel talked to him alone at the chapel. Then she knew what the problem was.

SR. RAQUEL (returning to the 3 women): There is nothing wrong with Edgar. He says he started taking shabu when the family started ignoring him. He never felt loved.

BECKY (running in tears to Edgar at the chapel and embracing him): I am sorry. We love you, Edgar. It's just we take things for granted, you know, three women keeping to themselves.

The mother and Joann came next. They all embrace each other in a flood of tears. Their reconciliation was the greatest Christmas gift of the Lord to this family. But the story is not over. After a week, Edgar called Sister Raquel.

EDGAR: Sister, you know it is hard to get rid of shabu if you are in advanced addiction. You need to go to a rehab center. 80 percent of the cases return to shabu after a year. I fear going into a rehab center, where you are treated without love. But, when I felt your hand on my shoulder, I felt someone giving me a warm embrace. It is amazing. I do not need to go to rehab. My addiction is gone. Thank you, Sister.

SR. RAQUEL: Don't thank me. Thank Jesus. He healed you instantly.

The child Santa Claus

'Adventus' in Latin means the 'coming' (of the Messiah, the Savior). This Advent, we present Rebecca, a five-year-old child. She has an eighty-year-old grandma.