It all started that fateful afternoon. How can I forget the date?

The date was Nov. 30,1993. I was out with close friends, and we were having

fun at a famous swimming pool in Calamba, Laguna, Philipines (the one with

giant blue slides). Never did I thought it may well be my last slide.

We were about to go home, but decided to try one last slide: the

highest one. I had my fears but I decided to get on with it just like the

others. I was second to the last. I remember hitting the water feet first,

then going down. As I was rising up, BLAM! I suddenly lost control of every

movement. My friends saved my life by pulling me out of the water, as there

was no life-guard on duty. I asked what happened and they told me I was hit

on the back as I was going up. Fear crept up so fast, but I remember

praying these : "Lord Jesus, my life is in your hands. Kayo na po ang

bahala!" (Lord Jesus, my life is in your hands. Your Will be done!)

Let me tell something about myself. I'm in my early twenties, born

to a well-to-do Filipino-Chinese family. I finished high school at a

prestigious Catholic school in Makati. Oh yes, high school life would

always be one of the most exciting times of my life. Our batch '90

witnessed the first school dance. I remember the title was ÖBLIVION". And

who can forget the soirees with the exclusive girls' schools? Ah...well,

nothing lasts forever. In college, I joined a prestigious fraternity while

studying at the State University. I remember the three of

us neophytes becoming full-fledged fratmen just a few days

before Christmas Eve. Life becomes more serious after college, with the

onset of our so-called ïndependence". I learned how to drive, and when I

turned eighteen, I was already driving my first luxury car. I went out with

old and new friends, and those "gimmicks" were definitely unforgettable.

Until the first accident happened .....

We were driving at about early morning at a fast clip. Suddenly,

this huge truck appeared from nowhere and the driver was forced to steer

the wheel. Our car turn-turtled once, before stopping near a small bridge.

The car's right side was damaged, as well as the wheels. None of us were

seriously hurt, as there were few cars on the South Highway. This, despite

the fact that the car was seriously damaged. We could only imagine just

what would happen if there was another speeding car behind us. None of us

could really sleep, and we prayed so hard during the Church Mass, thanking

God for saving our lives.

A few months after that, I suffered the spinal cord injury by that

swimming pool accident. You could call it a "forced vacation". The first

year was the hardest one, with the bad moods and loss of hope for life. I

thought of my studies, my independence, my family, and my own future. After

that, the doctors' discernment that my recovery so far was faster than

anticipated gave me new life. I continued my studies at a prestigious home

study school. When I finished my four-year course, I started working for my

father's company, mostly as an Information Technology Officer, using my

skills in computers and through the Internet. Having our own family company

is one of the greatest blessings we have in life, and I thank God for this,

and also pray that we never ever take it for granted.

Before, I couldn't use my fingers for writing and typing. The fact

that I can now use them is a miracle in itself. This disability may only be

temporary, but I'm not one to waste my time waiting for my recovery for

years. Life has taken on a whole new meaning for me, and it would be so

great to be able to walk again.

I've learned so much since the accident. Before, I could never

understand the reason for this. After two years, I can now admit to myself

that I concentrated too much on my social life, at the expense of my

spiritual life. Like everyone else, I justified my acts by saying to myself

that youth doesn't last forever. There are more important things than

living as if there was no tomorrow.

Well, things aren't always what they seem. The physical sacrifice is

undoubtedly great, but my spiritual life now is unbelievable. I can now

admit to myself that never have I been this close to my God. Just like the

millions of disabled people in the world, I pray for my healing everyday

but know that not all are given this precious gift. I hope I'll be worthy.

I think back of what I lost, but rejoice more in my new-found

reason and direction in life. Most of all, there were so many who supported

me through and I am indebted to them forever. My mother and father, my kid

brother, my relatives, my friends...... they were all there for that

invaluable moral support; I will never forget each and everyone of them. I