Maybe you have seen the phrase above in many books or articles that relay success or inspiring stories about people who are small yet are very competent in their own craft. An argument that has fired up our house earlier this night made me think...

My mother was full of anger. She was displeased that my brother did not even open his books today, prioritizing the basketball game instead of studying. I thought the disagreement would end up like every day. I never knew it come that far. Until it came to a point that my mother shouted, "Buti kung matangkad ka, pwede ka mag-basketball. Eh, ang liit-liit mo, tingin mo kikita ka dyan?" I knew my brother was clearly hurt and upset. He did answer back. But it was vague in my memory. All that I remember is that I just went upstairs, here, where I could not hear any of their screams. I was outraged by what my mother said to my Kuya.

Why was she so harsh? My brother isn't really that small. We're of the same height. I'm 13 and he's 16 and we're both standing "5'4 tall. He said he was the smallest in class. But that did not hinder his basketball dream. Ever since he was in Grade 6, he really is working hard to pursue being in the school varsity team. It was his dream. And all my mother could do was to crush it.

I was upset by the way she acted. It made me decide that I would not tell them about being a "..." if that's only how the way she would act. I thought she said she would support our dreams and endeavors.

Maybe what she said was true. But it isn't purely my brother's fault why he's 'not that tall'. He has already inculcated in his mind that God gave him his height as a challenge for him to excel more in what he wishes to pursue. My mother often says that my brother doesn't love us, but he does. Because if he didn't, he might have reprehended them (my parents) for his being small, reasoning that it is in the genes, but he did not, because he loves us. My brother did everything to be tall. Drinking milk, every color and flavor of it, following every belief of the elders, just to increase his height. But he decided, he must live with it if it is God's plan and it would not hinder his dream of being a successful basketball player. I believe he can do it.

I hope my mother would feel sorry for what she said. And I hope all things would go well in our house and family. I hope my Papa gets well just in time for his birthday. May God Bless our family and yours, too, whoever is reading this!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ