KB: The big brother I never had

Emerging from the rather unproductive hiatus I involuntary placed myself into, of necessity I have to write, develop, and finish this blog. I am forcing myself not to drown in a whirlpool of maudlin sentiments. But sometimes you've got to let go if only to savor once again the pleasurable images of nostalgia.

This is my humble token of appreciation for the generosity, protection, and brotherly affection shared by KB. He used to be the head teacher of the vocational fisheries department of the school where he and I cut our mentoring teeth, in a manner of speaking. He was the logical choice to be the next principal but when his time to assume power came, it was to be subordinate only to the vocational school superintendent. But the survivor that he was, he took it in stride and seemed content in playing second fiddle.

KB, he of the volatile temper, subdued by his down-to-earth sense of humor. I cannot, in all humility, light a candle to him since the only sense I enjoy most except from senseless pursuits is the sense of rumor. Who can forget one of his many anecdotes when he retorted against the Columban priest demanding a certain fee too exorbitant for the taste of KB. "Father, it dawned on me that with that expensive quote you gave me for my wedding decoration, apparently I am paying for the privilege of decorating your church!" Typical deprecating UP-honed tongue-in-cheek pun.

KB, he of the laid back persona, all-understanding that I, in my testoterone-filled youth was given all the leeway I need to run the affairs of our student government where we sit as co-advisers. I have to admit that when I was young, some of his maturity rubbed off on me.

Now KB sits withered like a chilled cucumber in his well-appointed room in Bacolod perhaps wishing that the next dialysis should be better deferred if not abrogated in its entirety.

I sent him only this week a rosary bead and a novena to Jesus of Divine Mercy. KB, keep the faith, wait for me and together we'll wage a bet with Saint Peter that he can't beat us in blitz chess provided that he plays with one eye and move pieces with only his left hand!
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"Consciousness: That annoying time between naps."