The Life Story of Ron
I’ve known Ron for only three weeks and yet we’ve become more like old friends. He told me people like to ask questions about his occupation, his relationships, but he is not comfortable telling them who Ron really is. Sometimes he tells them he is a teacher, doctor, lawyer, sometimes he claims to be a nurse, or a business manager. He was introduced to me by Dave, his friend of 12 years. I didn’t know what Dave told him about me prior to his phone call. Our conversation lasted for half hour and he offered to pick me up instead so he could show me a condo he did for a Filipino couple who relocated to Las Vegas from New Jersey. Syempre kapwa Filipino, he was proud to show me his work. He clearly was tired that night having worked for 12 hours but he was going out of his way to show me around. I was even amazed when we drove to a big warehouse selling items for houses. It was late at night., close to midnight. Even if the warehouse was already closed Ron was able to gain entry using his key card. Yun pala the store owner knows him personally. I was so scared to enter the big store for fear of being accused of breaking in and stealing. I was even shocked when he opened the refrigerator and took a bottle of water. He asked if I wanted Coke. Gusto ko nga pero I was both scared and embarrassed. I felt like we were stealing from someone else’s ref.
Since that evening, Ron and I have been meeting regularly. He offers to drive for me to pick up medicine from CVS, to get food from the Filipino restaurant, accompany me to my errands, etc. Syempre when we are driving, eating, waiting, maraming mahabang kwentuhan about his life. Hindi nga matapus-tapos. Hanggang parking lot ng IKEA hindi matapos ang kwento nya about his siblings, parents, family whom he loves and cares for dearly.
Ron strikes me as someone who is generous with his time and attention. He is willing to go out of his way for someone whom he thinks needs his assistance. He is meticulous about his work and he enjoys sharing his knowledge about anything and everything. He is generous not only to his family but also to his townmates and mga kababata. Nagulat nga ako when he told me he is planning to run for public office— specifically as mayor of their town in Cavite because he wants to serve and give back. Of course, I reacted like a true friend. I tried to discourage him from entering politics.
Ron has an interesting journey and I asked him if I could write about his life. He readily agreed. Over a lunch of not delicious Thai food, Ron told me about his story. He has no qualms sharing with me his life story most especially his heart aches.
Although he didn’t request it, I thought it would be better to change the names of the women mentioned to hide their identities kasi baka awayin si Ron.
to be continued…
