Illustration by Nastasha Verayo
Most children believe in guardian angels, but Monina was one of the exceptions to that rule. Her “logic” was simple: She didn’t think there were enough angels in heaven to be assigned to each and every human being!
Each Christmas was very special to Monina, because it was an especially fun and loving time that brought her even closer to her friends and loved ones.
Being an only child, she sometimes felt a bit lonely, so she loved all of the extra-warm hugs she got on Christmas Eve from her doting relatives—especially her Lolo Len and Lola Lala!
For three years now, however, her dear grandparents had not been around—they now lived in the big city, where there were much better medical facilities to help them manage their age-related illnesses—and Lolo Len also had to oversee some small businesses that used to be owned by his oldest brother, who had passed away.
Monina loved her lolo and lola a whole lot, so their absence, especially at Christmas, made her feel like there was something missing in her life, like two empty seats at the dinner table.
Imagine her excitement and joy, therefore, when she was told that her grandparents had convinced her parents to allow her to fly from the province to Manila, so she could spend Christmas with them! That’s when Monina realized that they missed her as much as she longed for their company. Her parents understood, that’s why they had grudgingly given their consent—but, they were worried.
Roundtrip ticket
Her grandparents could pay for only one roundtrip ticket—
so, would Monina be able to make the trip on her own? “Mommy, Daddy, please—I’m already 9 years old!,” she excitedly replied, drawing herself up to her full height, and trying to look as mature and responsible as possible!
Her parents looked at each other, feeling a bit sad that their darling little baby had grown up so much, and would even be leaving them—even if it was only for one week!
To make doubly sure that their “princess” would be safe, they arranged for a stewardess they knew to take care of her during the flight, and deposit her safely in the arms of her grandparents at the arrival terminal in Manila—no problem at all!
—Alas, that was not exactly what happened on the day of Monina’s departure from Cagayan de Oro and arrival in Manila. —In fact, it wasn’t what happened at all!
After their plane landed in Manila (Monina found her first flight so exciting!), the stewardess brought Monina to the arrival area, as instructed—but, her grandparents weren’t among the many people waiting for the arriving passengers!
What to do? The stewardess told Monina to stay put, and made some phone calls to clarify the situation—to her parents, to her grandparents, to the supervisor of the arrival section, etc. While she was away, Monina kept looking out for her grandparents, but still no luck.
Then, being an overly adventurous girl who got much too quickly impatient and bored, she strayed from her assigned spot, and walked around the area, still craning her head to spot her grandparents, who were obviously late—or had gotten their signals crossed—or both!
Big door
Before she realized it, Monina had actually walked out of the big door, looking out for her lolo’s car—and, when she tried to get back into the arrival area, there was a huge crush of people—and she couldn’t get in!
What to do?! First, she told herself, don’t panic! This is all your fault, but you’re good at solving problems, you can get out of this mess. You have their address—461 Varias st., Parañaque, their phone number
—think of this as a TV game show challenge, or an adventure with your Girl Scouts troop—
you can find your way to your grandparents’ home, where you will spend the most unique and thrilling Christmas in your life!
—On the other hand, Monina also heard an inner voice that darkly whispered, “You stupid, smug and overconfident girl! Haven’t you watched all those horrible stories on the TV news about silly girls like you who get lost and are abducted on the cruel streets of Manila, and end up either selling roses in nightclubs or being forced to donate their kidneys or eyeballs? —You’ll never get out of this—buti nga sa ‘yo!”
It was at this point that smug, overconfident Monina broke out into a huge, childish sob, which further disintegrated into a series of hacking cries, as though her lungs were desperately gasping for air. All the while, huge globs of tears were falling, her mouth was twitching—ugh! What an ugly sight!
After her sobs had subsided, Monina reviewed her options. Her conclusion? She had none! All she could do now was wait
—and pray. —Yes, that’s it, pray! In her fear and hysteria, she had forgotten to pray!
She had so smugly relied on her problem-solving skills, which had brought her nothing—and forgotten that she had a guardian angel who certainly would not allow her to end up as a pathetic child worker in a nightclub with no kidneys and eyeballs left—! Of course! She had to pray!
Existence
So, even if she was on a busy street, Monina went down on her knees and closed her eyes. —But, what would she say to her guardian angel, whose existence she had previously cast serious doubts on? And, how could she be so sure that her personal angel would be listening? —Maybe it was taking the day off?
But, Monina pushed all such negative thoughts out of her mind and fervently prayed a long-forgotten prayer, now a desperate plea for help—“Angel of God, my guardian dear—I’m in such big trouble, here—
please, help me overcome my fear—and help me, help me
—Dear!”
After she ended her prayer, Monina kept her eyes closed. She imagined her angel (yes, the same one she had brashly denied the existence of!) flying high above her with its golden wings, spotting her in dire need, and swooping down to rescue her and take her—to heaven!
—No, wait, not so fast, she didn’t want to go there—well, not right now—all she wanted to do was find her grandparents and spend Christmas week with them!
“Ah, excuse me, little girl, but why are you crying? What can I do to help you?”
Monina slowly opened her eyes. —No angel there, just a little, old lady in an old van, looking very worriedly at her.
As briefly as she could, Monina told her what had happened, about her grandparents, the mix-up, their address in Parañaque, and—“Len and Lala Solis in Parañaque?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I know them very well! How about that? I’m their next-door-neighbor—you’re in luck! I’ll take you to them—they must be very worried—let’s go!” And the old lady smiled and gestured for Monina to get into the van!
Monina looked up at the sky, which looked much brighter and more beautiful than it did just one minute ago. “Thank you, dearest God,” she wept and smiled. “Angels do exist—but sometimes, not with golden wings! My guardian angel is a kind and lovely old soul who live right next to Lolo and Lola at 461 Varias st., Parañaque!”
Merry Christmas!