Memories of The Big C #MondayMemoirs

There was a time that I worked for an actual print publication. It was a health-and-lifestyle magazine though it was far from the ordinary. Ours was centered on cancer, its survivors, and how to overcome, fight and win against it. They were, for me, very interesting times.

Almost two weeks ago, I shared on my folio blog my experiences working for the mag and some of the insights that I gathered along the way.

So for today, since I am guessing you missed them, I am sharing my stories to you guys as well. Just click on the image and you’ll be good to go 🙂

My Big C memory lane

“THE MASKED ANGELS”

NOTE: This was written as a photo-essay about children in the cancer ward for The Big C magazine (January-March 2006, Children’s Hour section)

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Here where many wage wars, little heroes fight their own battles armed with a dash of hope and sprinkles of innocence, coated with a touch of loved ones’ tender loving care. Every smile has a story.

Imagination takes flight and little Masked Angels make where sweet dreams lie, to bask under the morning sun or traipse on a moonlit night calling out to friends hidden behind trees or under makeshift carton houses. “Pung! Huli ka!” they cry out racing towards the base to be saved.

They run and laugh and play. Sometimes they tumble. But heroes are made of sturdy stuff. After every fall they take a stand against unseen enemies in defiance. Sometimes, imagination flies back to the classroom—there’s the little girl he loves to tease; there’s the little boy who gives her candies; there’s the art section with the flowers, cars and matchstick men all drawn from their little happy hearts.

“Riiinngg!” shrills the school bell as they race towards the sweet promise of school recess. Life’s lessons seem much simpler in the confines of the classroom. Yet Masked Angels leave its four corners to learn more, much more, about living. Still, even heroes need their heroes. In moments of weakness, they come back home where wonderful kisses and warm hugs await to soothe their tired, frail frames. Surrounded by love, they are comforted by the thought that all is well in their perfect world.

But a perfect world does not exist and the world needs its heroes to dwell where courage is needed. Here where they are most vulnerable, the Masked Angels bravely fight their own battles surrounded by cold machines, going through rituals that test their strength and endurance, wearing masks to shield them from the onslaught of hidden fiends.

From the iStockphoto collection of http://www.thinkstockphotos.com

Questions are but full of the why’s: Why can’t I go home? Why can’t I go back to school? Why does Mommy cry when she thinks I’m not looking?

Like mere humans, they cry in pain and suffering, like Superman meeting his kryptonite. In all this, the Masked Angels emerge victorious, finding time to smile and laugh and be happy like it’s the most natural thing in the world. For in their heart of hearts, they know that life is all about holding on and fighting the good fight.

What you learn from a smile of a child – a story of hope, love, courage, and living.

Copyright © 2006, 2011 J.Gi Federizo

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