baratillo @ cubao : www.baratillo.net

Fate and fortune has a nasty habit of hitting us one the blind side. We are like the deer in a little known Aesop’s fable.

Once there was a deer that by dire consequence and fate would have it became blind in one eye. Now this was a problem for the deer. During that time deer were often hunted for their meat and skin. Today the only place you can find them are in Zoos on display; in nature reserves and parks protected; and in taxidermist shops stuffed.

Now this deer was q crafty one and hatched a plan that would safe guard him from hunters. The deer went to live by the seashore. His blind eye facing the sea and his remaining good eye facing inland. He thought to himself now I shall see anything that comes from inland and hunters do not hunt t sea so I am safe.

And this strategy would work for years. Until one day the something hit the deer on the neck. At first he thought it was a mosquito that stung him. It was summer and mosquitos were pestering everybody. Then he felt something warm flowing from his neck. And then the pain as he realized he was struck down by a hunter’s arrow from the sea.

Impossible the deer said to himself or he would uttered it aloud if he could talk.

An arrow from the sea. And this is because that day a ship was moored off a little bit down the beach. They were making repairs and were looking for food. It had been some time since they saw and walked on dry land. The captain ordered his men to do the repairs and he also ordered a small group of men to hunt and forage for food.

And this is how one-eyed deer ended up as the guest of the Captain’s table as the main course.

As we grow older we become like the one-eyed deer. We prepare for whatever life throws at us. Then life throws something from left field and we are left in shock.

This happens from time to time and is a reminder to us that in our world nothing is constant. A jaded man becomes lovestruck and sometimes a single person finds himself with kids. Things happen.

Several years ago by circumstances and fate I found myself one of the pseudo-guardians of my nephews.

Karl Jung called it synchronicity.

It is pseudo-parenthood. The road is to say the least interesting both in Western and Chinese times. Interesting times. And in between the sugar induced frenzy, tantrums, and the cleaning of bottoms one finds that instead of a duty or obligation it is a blessing and something one will love doing. Something one will care about. Something one will love … even if it / they destroy your pristine sealed comic book, destroy your lego castle or forever trying to figure out the password.

Today, we see a lot of single parents and pseudo parents around. I think it is something more visible today than ten or twenty years ago. And I honestly think people should not get married unless they are committed to it and not by circumstances should they be compelled.

And godparents should take their role more seriously. Its not just an invitation to a social event or networking it is a matter of trust … no it is a matter of TRUST.

But I meander and write too much.

Today is a Sunday. And in a few minutes two boys will charge in my room. One eager to play video games and the other one showing off his latest creation, from magnets and plastics. It is a welcome intrusion.

Later, As we leave and bring with us the daily essentials (3 sets of extra clothes, wet napkins and tissue papers) one pauses and for a brief moment and thinks it is a welcome intrusion, a pleasant surprise and it is LOVE.

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