Whose cross to bear?

It was with a heavy heart when I hopped on the plane back home. This time I did not shout to the world about my return. I arrived quietly.

I was asked if my return would serve a purpose at all since this is not my battle. Even so, it is unthinkable for me to sit around and do nothing while the family is in the midst of a crisis. Though I agree my presence does not spell solutions, I am just contended to be there with the family in this difficult moment.

Pain, however, seemed like a constant companion in this trip. Before I could catch my breath again, I received news that the dear friend hits a rough patch herself. I am truly glad that I was there to lend her a shoulder.

It is unclear if my homecoming makes a difference at all. By sharing my experience, I reckon it might help the involved parties see the situation in different perspectives. Will they learn from my experience? I do not have that wishful thinking however. Because we human are after all funny creatures. We do not learn unless we are that burnt child who dreads the fire.

We all need time to lick our wounds after the fire but no man is an island. Even at our lowest, we must also have the strength to reach out for help. Asking for help is not a display of weakness. Rather we need immense strength to cast away that deadly sin called Pride before we can reach out to grasp that helping hand.

Similarly we need to forgive ourselves first before allowing others to forgive us. Because to err is human and to forgive is divine.

There is a time and place for everything. When that moment arrives, may the force and wisdom be with you.

When will I learn? The answers to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle, they're on TV!
- Homer