Jan. 24, 2013 FIRETRUCK RESCUE

Last January 24, 2013, Barney, my son-in-law, offered to drop me at my sister's place in Daly City while he attended to some business matter in San Francisco. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to see Beth and to enjoy some hours with her. As usual, our chit-chat covered a lot of topics but a large portion was concentrated on our growing- up years in Sta. Ana, Manila, Philippines. There were the hilarious moments when tears simultaneously fell with our boisterous laughter as we recalled the many childhood pranks played on us and those we initiated on unsuspecting siblings and friends, alike. Then there were the brief teary-eyed moments of silence as we remembered those we dearly loved, family members, relatives and friends, who have crossed the Great Beyond. As in the past, these recollections were followed by the outpouring of our thanksgiving and praise to our God for the octogenarian lives we still enjoy. We assured ourselves that there is still meaning and purpose for our existence. So, help us, Lord!

The freeway traffic on our way from San Francisco to Fremont showed the start of the afternoon rush hour. I was oblivious of it all as I related to Barney how my day was happily spent. Thanks, to him! Then quite suddenly, bits of smoke emanated from under the hood of the car. It was a signal to me to stop blabbering! I noticed that we headed to an exit to Redwood City and that the smoke had become dense. It took some time for the traffic light to change and with some six or eight cars ahead of us, we barely made it to a right turn on a street corner. 

I looked up to the clouds and said, "Lord, please help us. St. Michael, St. Joseph, help us." And as I bent to unleash my seat belt, I caught sight of the twirling red light atop a firetruck through the side mirror. Quite unbelieving, I leaned forward to verify what I saw. Sure enough, it was a firetruck and was stopping right behind us. Quickly getting out of the car, I heaved a sigh of awe and wonder and prayed, "Oh, Lord, how magnificent are your ways! Within seconds, You have sent us help! You are true to your promise!"

The rushing tide of worship, adoration, praise and thanksgiving that soaked my whole being somehow made me "limp" with ethereal significance. It was as if the flesh and bones that make up my mortal body had left me. I was suspended in animation! Coupled with this was the mind-boggling, incomprehensible presence of a firetruck, within seconds, at a time when it was exactly what we needed.

There are no coincidences in life... only God-incidences! God positioned a firetruck with the team of Nick Dickson, Alli Harper and Chris Hekr on their way to a Training Session at a street crossing to help us, within seconds, at a time of our greatest need. Their loyalty to the Fireman's Oath was and I believe will always be pure as gold. And, God's love for His children will forever be limitless, unconditional and 

" par excellence."

              Psalm 91 - "When you call on me, I will answer you. I will save you!"

              Psalm 34  - "I sought the Lord and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!"