Estoy's Redemption: A Father's Journey from Sin to Salvation in Minglanilla, Cebu
In the quiet town of Minglanilla, Cebu, a profound tale of human frailty and divine forgiveness unfolds. Atty. James F. Lobedica, residing at 537 Lower Pakigne, shares a story that echoes the timeless adage: "Ang pagpakasala tawhanon, ang pagpasaylo balaanon." This narrative delves into the life of Estoy, a man whose past catches up with him after fifteen long years, leading to an unexpected and transformative encounter.
A Past Unraveled: The Confrontation
Estoy, once a wayward soul, could scarcely believe the words on a small piece of paper he retrieved from a pocket. He searched thoroughly, finding nothing else within. Fifteen years had slipped by since he last returned, and now, the past demanded reckoning. Tsip Bruno, leader of Estoy's old conquerors, raised his voice in a commanding tone: "Dali na kuyog na kanamo. Imo nang bayran ang imong pagkamakasasala." The accusations piled up—deceit in gambling, theft of eggs from a neighbor's nest, and sneaking through doors without payment after indulging in balbakuwa at Karya's eatery. The list seemed endless, a testament to Estoy's former misdeeds.
Memories Resurface: Love and Loss
With a cough and a weary face, Estoy agreed to accompany them, his mind drifting back to bygone years. He had abandoned his family: his wife Fretching, who struggled in Hong Kong, and their only child Junjun, who fled after being mistreated. Estoy recalled youthful moments with Fretching, where passion overrode prudence. "Dili ka magmahay Fretching, kaguwapa gyud nimo oi," he had grinned, his actions leading not to rectitude but deeper into vice after their marriage.
Even on a Holy Friday, when Fretching urged him to listen to Christ's last seven words for spiritual cleansing, Estoy dismissed her. "Oy, bahala ka diha Fretching. Ikaw lang uroy. Nibiya na ko sa Ginuo human ko matintal nimo," he retorted, choosing gambling over grace. Junjun, as a child, tried to reach out with good grades and a hidden message in a pocket, but Estoy's impatience silenced him. "Ah, kasaba ba ninyo. Molakaw nako oy. Kaalingugngog bayaaaaa!" he shouted, sealing his departure.
The Descent and Return
Years rolled by, and Estoy vanished into a life of societal outcasts, leaving his family behind. Eventually, illness struck him with no cure in sight. He returned home nearly crawling, clothes tattered, strength waning. In his weakest moment, he remembered the message on that paper. Tears streamed down his face as he wept, his vision blurring, aware that the end was near.
A Divine Reunion: Salvation Found
Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced the silence: "Pa, maayo kay nagkita pa kita." Beside him stood a figure in white, whom Estoy recognized with shock. Bruno explained, "Ah, Padre maayo kay naabot ka. Luya na kaayo siya. Murag dili na niya makaya." Estoy gasped, "Junjun?? Ikaw ba kini?" clutching the white-clad being tightly. Junjun, now a priest, urged, "Oh, ayaw na la'g sulti Pa. Mag-ampo tang duha alang sa imong kaluwasan. Balik na sa Ginuo."
Words could not capture Estoy's joy at seeing his only child as a man of God. Junjun revealed the truth: "Tinuod ka Pa. Tukma ang imong nabasahan sa akong mensahe kanang nasulat sa papel nga imong gigunitan nga akong gisulod sa kabo. Ako nang gisulat alang kanimo niadtong gamay pa kong bata nga kanunay ko nimong dagmalan. Dugay ra tikang gipasaylo, Pa." In that heartfelt embrace, Estoy and Padre Junjun found unity in faith, a redemption story that transcends time and sin.
