Gwen's Harmony

Three years ago, one of my colleagues, Venus became pregnant but lost her daughter shortly after giving birth. The baby was named Gwyneth Harmony.

I am not a parent yet but I know that the death of a child is the most devastating loss. The order of nature teaches us na mas madali ihatid ng (mga) anak sa hantungan ang magulang kesa ang magulang ang maghahatid sa anak  sa hantungan.  You mourn the loss of his or her life, potential and future. Your life is forever changed. But for Venus it's not over; for her "You can get through the grief and come out the other side". Now on its 3rd year, she celebrates her daughter's birthday in the orphanage. And this year she decided to have it in Manila Boystown.

What makes it more special this year is that our company Xtera Outsourcing Services, as part our of our social responsibility sponsored the Feeding Program. We prepared food for the kids and some fun activities. And our company donated ( through the generosity of our Boss Ocel some amount) for their maintenance.

What an emotional and life-changing experience it was. See you next year for Gwen's Feeding Program Year 4.

Venus and her great way in honoring her child's memory. Through the company of the kids

Everyone was moved by the boys presentation. They sang the Tagalog Version of "Dance with my Father"

(All photos courtesy of Fredo Cortez)

Remember in spite of it all, it is possible to cope. You, your family, friends, co-workers and others can all do things that will help you make it through the loss of a child (or other significant loss) in shape to make a better tomorrow and able to care for those who remain. Always remember, those who remain need you as much as those who died.

Until then,

Bibo