A Journey towards the Final Vow

Theirs is an unusual story of hope- a special kind of fairytale that starts with “and they live happily ever after” and ends with “Once upon a time”. Amber was standing still behind John while he was so busy putting his things on a cargo. In her eyes were tears that no one could fathom the depth of the origin nor could anybody understand the meaning. On her lips were thousands of unspoken words- words that would have begged him to stay, but no! Amber is such a supportive wife and wouldn’t want to hinder her husband’s desire to serve his country following his father’s footsteps. She was on a deep thought when John came closer and held her hands saying “I will be back for sure. That’s a promise I will keep no matter what. I shall witness our baby grow and we will be the best parents for him… but Amber, I need you to do me a favor. I want you to keep holding on, come what may. Remember this, between now and then, till we meet again, my heart will never stop beating for you and for our son”. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She knew for sure that John’s life was at stake for such secret mission of the troop going to Vietnam… but how could she hold on to her greed when many of the veterans have laid down their lives in the hope that the future generation will have better place to live in? Good-bye was the only word that came out of her mouth, coupled with a kiss and a tight embrace. The memories of them talking together during their graduation day were still fresh in her mind. They happened to sit next to each other during that memorable day. The guest speaker, who was an Alumnus of their school, was speaking of courage- courage to take the burden of leaving a legacy for the next generation. “Young graduates, you are our country’s hope and pride. You are to take the walk and start leaving prints that would make your history. Starting today, ask yourself, how do you want to be remembered”? Hearing those words brought up John’s memory of his father who lost his left leg in a battle for his beloved country. “My son, take pride when you shed a drop of your blood for the benefit of our nation…” this phrase was still clear in his mind but as to its meaning? It’s something too deep for him to fathom. “Hey, Amber, what are your plans after graduation”? Asked John who, in return received an answer from Amber, saying that she wanted to get a good job as a Nurse for her family who had long been waiting for her to help them rise up from poverty. “How about you”? John was speechless; for in reality, he really didn’t know. He was aware that he’s into medical field but deep in his heart, echoed his father’s whisper of serving the country- a dream that his father really wanted to continue pursuing despite losing his leg. He did, actually, until he was paralyzed and bedridden. John and Amber were two close friends during their college years. They were both taking Nursing course. For John, because it’s his passion and for Amber, because it’s the course chosen by her Aunt who sponsored her studies in U.S. There, they grew to be really close friends. A year after they graduated, Amber found herself working in one of the big medical institutions in U.S. For her, that was a dream come true. As to John’s whereabouts, she had no idea. One day, as she was taking off her hospital clothes to take her leave after work, she received a call from an unknown number. Yes? Came her answer. “Hi Amber, its John, still remember”? It started with that call and they found themselves dating afterwards. Destiny might have brought them together from both ends of the world as they fell in love with each other. Who would have thought that from a humble place where Amber came from, she would be lucky enough to get a sponsorship to U.S where she met the love of her life? Perhaps, love is magic. Perhaps, it’s true that fate works for two people who, from the start were born for each other. Everyday, John would bring her flowers, leave her sweet notes, and call her to remind her to take a break… all these and more. Think of the sweetest and romantic acts a man could do to her woman and I’m sure John had done them all. What else could she ask for? They must have been the happiest couple that time until one day, John told Amber of the reason why he came back to U.S after serving as a Military nurse in Vietnam. It was a long, weary day for John at the nursing corps as a military nurse in Vietnam. Though that was his first day in service, which meant it’s just a glimpse on what others went through. John proudly did his job and was looking forward for laborious yet inspiring experiences. Day after day it was a consolation for him for every successful medication and surgery he performed. He even loved his work more for he knew he was a able to serve his countrymen in his own way. While everyone in the camp fell into deep sleep, John could hardly close his eyes because of a sudden mixture of feeling of joy and doubt. He remembered his father’s resounding dream and hope for him, and that he had to decide on what to follow. But before he was able to weigh the two sides… “Rrrringgg….rrrriinnggg”. The emergency bell rang and broke the deep silence in the camp. John, together with the team hurriedly packed up all the tools for operation and immediately went to the battlefield. Only then, he found out his long lost friend lying, helpless amidst the ceaseless exchange of fire. He was startled for a moment. He could hardly believe on what he really saw. John, though trembled, continued in taking steps heading towards his dear friend. By the time he got there, his friend recognized him at once, even called him in his name“John” with his cold lips flattered with pain.. With that, John burst into tears and without a word, he carried him in his shoulders with full strength and might, unmindful of the flying bullets around them, till they reached a safer place where he could perform the operation. Now, as he took a closer look on the soldier’s situation, tears crawled down John’s eyes, seeing a friend who was close to his heart, now facing a situation so close to death. However, John had to be strong for his friend and for himself. He had to do everything and the best for his friend, yet in the middle of seemingly hopeless operation, Eric took John’s hand, signaled him to stop, as if he’s telling him that its useless. “No! Eric just hold on a little longer, give me some more time, please just don’t give up, you have to live.” Eric slowly parted his half-dead lips and gave a smile to his dear friend- a smile that spoke of farewell; a smile full of love, readiness and acceptance. John couldn’t hold back his tears watching him dying. He knew his friend couldn’t stay any longer. Few moments after, he gently laid his friend’s cold body and recalled the memories they had together as good buddies. He was about to leave him to attend other injured soldiers when he noticed something on his friend’s palm- it was a flag of the United States of America. It was the same flag his father kept showing him, telling him that to die for someone’s country is an honorable death. That very moment, John was lost. His heart seemed to stop beating for a while. He had seen the deaths of his fellow countrymen who fought for their country , witnessed blood of his friends mixing with earth, and held the hands of those soldiers as they slowly get cold yet proud for the service they have done. Those were just too much for him to ignore. Days after, he made up his mind. He joined the military training back in U.S where he consistently got high remarks until he was offered to take part in a secret mission. Amber shook her head as her heart couldn’t contain all those sweet and happy memories they had, not to mention the thoughts of the danger awaiting her beloved John. She looked at the Military plane as it slowly lifts up. John was there, waving at her, with a big smile as if he’s telling her to look at the positive side. She smiled back. That was her only option. Slowly, she touched her belly. The baby in her womb was kicking. Could it be that he also has a message to tell her? Does her unborn child know that she might be born without a father? She tried to hold back her tears but they were stronger than her. As the helicopter slowly disappeared, she decided to start walking back home. Her legs were heavy. I took her almost an hour to get back home. There, she started her life being an expectant mother, alone. Every morning is a new source of hope. Everyday, she waits for him in vain. No news. No calls. Just empty hope. Meanwhile, John and his troop were critically doing their mission. It was a great mission which was to stop or to possibly end up the spread of communism in Asia by bombing the headquarters of the communist rebels. Doing such thing reminded them of America’s secret mission long time ago which was to bomb the heart of Japan, the Nagasaki and Hiroshima. They just had accomplished their mission when they were rocketed and mortared. He and his fellow soldiers were forced to jump off with extreme caution and speed. Any seconds closer could have meant death, and yes! For some, it did. It was just a matter of seconds and John found himself in the middle of nowhere. He opened his eyes but every corner was darkness. He knew he was underwater, as to how many feet below, he had no idea. He wanted to shout in excruciating pain but such pain might have left him voiceless. The pain seemed too much for him to bear but is there such thing as too much for someone who longs to go back home and fulfill his promise? Darkness might have enveloped him wherever he turned his eyes, but the picturesque of his wife and son waiting for him to come home brought light to his dying soul. Onwards he went, slowly seeking a refuge in an ocean of impossibility. Black was the color of the sea but if only there was light, he would have seen how his blood had turned it into crimson red. For countless times, his body showed several signs of giving up, but in a heart of a soldier, giving up was, is, and never will be an option. Another set of days and nights have passed. John was extremely getting weaker and weaker. He had no enough strength to go on. He had always thought that no matter what, he would live on and go back home to bring honor to his country; to fulfill his father’s dream and most all, to fulfill his promise to Amber… but he might have overestimated himself, for at that very moment, the minute strength left in him was only enough to recall their memories…nothing more. Slowly, his eyes closed but even on that very moment, his thoughts were filled with Amber and their son- two lovely faces waiting for him to come home, two people waiting for someone who might not be coming back. News were spread over all states of America about the fallen soldiers who were “killed in action”. For Amber, such news was like a bomb that hit her on the spot. Her knees were trembling in fear. Her hands were shaking. Her heart was shouting in agony but her voice was locked up. Not even a single tear dropped from her long-weary eyes. Perhaps, they all joined forces within her to somehow comfort her heart that was, at that very moment, ready to give up and follow John… perhaps, in heaven? Moments thereafter, Amber found herself in an unfamiliar room. Her friends and some relatives around her. Then, “ wouaahh..wouaahh..wouaahh” a baby’s cry that caught her attention. It was her son, held the nurse’s arms. Only then, she realized she was in the hospital. According to her friends, she fainted while watching the news and gave an untimely birth. Nevertheless, the baby was in a good state of health. Looking at her son, she gained strength. She took him in her arms, kissed him, felt him into her heart. As she stared at him, she saw an innocent boy whose right to grow in a happy family was stolen. Yes, stolen by a thief called death! Wait…” death? No way! He promised me that he’s coming back, I heard it! And I know from my heart it was real! Yes, our love is stronger than the call of death…” ,uttered she to herself. She burst into tears thinking how destiny might have played game upon them. She remembered exactly what John told her before leaving, “I need you to hold on, Amber”. Caught between giving up and holding on, Amber found it killing her slowly. Sure enough, giving up was a very hard thing to do especially for Amber, whose heart beats for no one else but John. Yet, how long does she have to hold on? How long does she have to make- believe that John is going to surprise them one morning? That John is on his way to fulfill his promise? Weighing over these things almost drived her crazy. “Mom! Look at me, I am all grown up now. You see, I can do things on my own” called her 3-year old son, David, who was so proud for changing his clothes alone. She held him into her arms, and with a silent cry, she said “you have grown up so fast son. I promise you, I will be strong for you… you’ll see, you will have me in all your life’s battles”. That very moment, Amber’s confusions were gone. Between giving up and holding on? She chose to hold on. She chose to be a mother. Everyday, she showed John’s picture to David. She told him to be always ready for his homecoming. She wanted him to believe that they were complete though in her heart, she knew they’re just trapped in a make- believe situation. Nevertheless, she chose to hold on to a thread of hope. She might not be in the battlefield like John and his comrades, but she was also in a battle- a battle called life. She was fighting more than one war, and fought them with all her strength everyday. War was her life. She made choices that affected their lives, hers and David’s, and maybe John’s. Her heart battled against the temptation of the darkness that enveloped her ruined soul. She battled for survival. She fought for life. As for David, the battle he’s fighting might not be that evident as you could see his happy face all the time, but who wouldn’t be touched with such a young boy who kept waking up each day, wearing his best, getting himself ready for his dad’s homecoming? Waiting for someone whose arrival isn’t sure, waiting for his daddy John- the one who promised to witness him grow. Days, weeks, and months have passed and he still kept doing what he did best- getting ready for his dad to come. On his fourth birthday celebration, David wore a soldier-like attire as he requested. His motive may not be understood by us as he couldn’t express his thoughts that well yet, but isn’t it justifiable to think that he just wanted his dad to be proud of him, if ever he comes to celebrate with them on his birthday? ~ one year after ~ Everybody was very busy. Amber was setting the tables as the invited guests were expected to come in a while. David, on the other hand was ready with his favorite attire – that of a soldier. Seeing him with that kind of hope broke Amber’s heart. How could she tell him to let go of Daddy after making him believe that John is doing alright? For David, John was a loving dad who fights mightily in the battlefield and will be coming back home soon, after he has killed all his enemies. This isn’t same with Amber of course. For her, John was the best husband in the world who promised her with forever – the only person she permitted to steal her heart and took it to heaven. Tears rolled her eyes once more, but this time, she did not faint. This time, the thread of hope she used to be holding unto was already broken. After more than 5 years of waiting, she no longer wanted to continue living under the shadow of agony. That day marked the day she accepted their fate. “David, my son, would you like to change your clothes? I bought you a new superman costume for today’s party”, asked Amber to David. The little boy was puzzled saying, “Why mom? Didn’t you tell me to look my best and be always ready for Daddy’s homecoming? I just want to wear this so he will recognize me right away”. “B…b…but son…” “No mom! No! I am daddy’s little soldier!” David ran away from Amber, into the front yard, until… peeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppp!!! He was almost bumped by a bus when a man took him in his arms. After making sure he was alright, the man put him down and bawled out at him saying, “You have to be careful little boy! What if no one saw you?” David, though still scared and thankful, looked at him angrily and said, “Don’t you know that I am a son of a soldier? I can keep myself safe!” Those words brought the man’s knees down , enough to ask him, “Whose son are you?” David, looked at him in the eyes and replied, “I am a son of a soldier who fights in a faraway land. I haven’t seen him yet, but I know his name. His name is Daddy John.” The man ,upon hearing the boy’s reply felt something strange within. He knew it. He felt it. It was a father’s instinct. Without a word, he grabbed him into his arms, held him tight and closed his eyes imagining how worthy it was to see his son for all the struggles he’d been through. He could still remember how much he tried to keep himself awake underwater where he saw nothing but an imaginary picture of Amber with their lovely son. Perhaps, heaven was still on their side as a Vietnamese fisherman came to his rescue when his heart was almost down to its last beat. He must have been an angel sent from heaven but when daylight came and his U.S Navy uniform revealed his identity, the Vietnamese surrendered him to the Authorities. How awful it must have been for him who was so helpless at that time. Little did he know that after surviving what should have been a horrible, lonesome death, he would be reunited with some of his comrades under the same defenseless condition. There, they were imprisoned and suffered the cruelty of their captors. There, he saw his comrades rotting on a dark corner, grabbing a chance to live in a hellhole where escaping was far from possible. John felt tormented all the more when a very close comrade of his, was beaten to death in front of him. It left him with a feeling that was beyond any word could describe. He could still recall when his comrade’s arm fell into his hands while their captors cut it off. He knew for sure that he too, could have his last breath there should he choose to be idle and do nothing. One moonless night, when the world was in deep sleep, he awakened his comrades and despite their weak bodies, he convinced them to go and escape. They were hesitant to do it as they know that they would surely be shot to dead once their captors know it but what choice do they have? Death for sure would take them whether they stay or not, in such case, they opted to do something at least, before dying. Together, they slowly crept out from that hell. Their bodies staggered, leaving a bloodstain along the way. Off to the bushes they went but it didn’t take long when their captors found out that they were gone. Soon enough, they were already chased to death. Several troops went shooting them. The sounds of countless bullets shooting on every direction were heard amidst the dark night. One after the other, the soldiers died. John was hit on his right leg, then on his back, then more. He didn’t have any idea where his comrades were, how many of them were dead or still breathing at that moment, all he knew was his heart was still beating and he’d want it to continue beating until he gets to see Amber. Despite the pain, he continued creeping, not knowing where he was heading to until he fell down into a cliff. The next events were no longer registered in his memory. The next thing he remembered was waking up in a small hut where an old man took care of him. It took him years to recover and for each year that passed, he spent 365 days thinking of his son and his beloved Amber and Yes! Thinking of them had kept him alive! John’s tears overflowed thinking of those times while holding his son so tight. “Why are you crying sir?”, asked David to the teary-eyed John. He only thinks of his father based on the picture Amber kept on showing him but John had grown so old, with long hair and beard, with tattered clothes and discolored skin. Not long after, Amber went out to look for his son who was reportedly, almost hit by the bus. From afar, he saw David with a man whose face her eyes couldn’t recognize but someone whom her heart genuinely knew. Everything that happened next was so much more than any words could describe. It was like heaven. Tears of joy were overflowing. For a while, they floated into a magical world where living happily ever after was indeed possible.. Perfect bliss. These two words would perfectly describe their family. There was never a day that passed that they failed to express their love for each other. John, though the memories of his past and of his fallen comrades had left him a mental and emotional scar, showed a huge sign of coping up and moving on. Together with Amber, he worked as a nurse in one of the most prestigious medical centers in America. ~20 years later~ “Congratulations son! We’re so proud of you. Seeing you receiving your Diploma in College makes us feel how fulfilled we are as your parents”, these were John’s words for David as they were going down the stage after receiving his diploma. “Thanks mom, thanks dad. I knew it even before I set my foot in the academe, I already knew that you two, were, are, and will be the greatest parents I’d ever encounter in my life”, came David’s response. After the Graduation ceremony, they headed on for a celebration. It was an awesome evening for the whole family! The following day, John and Amber woke up early to attend an early morning gathering at church which was intended for couples. It was like a one-hour seminar to remind them of their vows- vows that need to be renewed daily to keep the fire of love glowing and growing. They didn’t need to hear the words of the speaker to do that of course. Their promise of a lifetime for each other was something that they kept making stronger each day. They just went there to take part and share their story that they may serve as an inspiration to others. With their hearts filled with joy, they rode in their car heading home. They were singing their theme song along the road when they passed through a grocery store. Amber asked John to stop for a while that they could buy foods to be cooked for breakfast.. Obediently, John stepped on the brake pedal but surprisingly, it didn’t work. Instead, each time he tried to brake, the car accelerated its speed. He did all possible things a driver could think of when faced in such kind of situation but on and on the car went, until they met a huge delivery truck! They both screamed in fear but there was no way to go! Whether they turn left or right was a disaster! Then… Bang!!! Silence. A river of blood was seen flowing across the street. Few moments after, John opened his eyes. He couldn’t move his body as he was pierced everywhere by the car’s broken fragments. He looked at Amber, whose face was covered with blood. “Amber! Amber, wake up!” His voice came so soft as he tried to grasp his wife’s hand. He tried to move to get closer to her but he didn’t have enough strength to do it. He too, was bleeding too much more than he could bear. Nevertheless, he still managed to reach Amber’s hand and kissed it. Perhaps, love is really magical as such kiss awakened Amber who tearfully opened her eyes to take a last glance at John. If only she had enough strength to open her mouth, she would have said a message for him but at that very moment the most that she could do was to look at him in the eyes. John knew it. He felt it. Once again, he kissed her hands and with his tears on, he said, “I love you Amber. God must have seen us living a fulfilled life here on earth and maybe its time for him to take us to the world beyond…Babe, if you get there before I do, please don’t give up on me. I don’t know how long I’ll be but I’ll surely meet you there…” His next words were unspoken. Slowly, Amber closed her eyes while John was tearfully watching her… and in few moments thereafter, the tick of the clock stopped for John too. Meanwhile, their beloved son, David was preparing his parent’s favorite dish for breakfast. He wanted to surprise them, to express his gratitude for having great parents like them. After setting the table, he waited happily at the terrace, looking forward to greet his Daddy John and Mom Amber a sweet morning.