I was so tired from school when suddenly I  heard noises from the inside of our house. I came in and a familiar face but a view that I was not able to see for years came up to me and said, “Hi! Kain ka na!” (Hi, eat already!) There was a big smile on that man’s face and I joked and replied…”Bakit kayo ngayon nagpunta? May paper akong gagawin!” (Why did you visit today, I have a paper to do!) But the truth is, I did not expect any ambush celebration like that. It was mu uncle that was imprisoned for about 8 years that was present there. Everyone was festive and I think he deserves such.

It was a wrong accusation against him that led him to suffer from something that we all know and of course even God know that he did not do. The case was murder. It was an old case but since there are people from the neighborhood of my uncle that got a grudge over him and envies his family that they did such to him. My lawyer aunt failed to win his case in court but I know she did her best to defend him. Nevertheless, he was humble that he just accepted his fate.

I knew him well since his children, my little cousins, are close to us. They love visiting our home and having get-togethers and so on. When I was still little, I would sleep beside my cousins and how envious I am because my uncle tells them stories just to fall asleep. He would tell stories of bulldozers, machines, cars to my boy cousin and hug my girl cousin as well. I knew that he wouldn’t do such things and my mother died to defend him just because she cannot stand seeing her youngest brother suffer. My mother would always cry to us and tell us that he is not that kind of person and I believe her.

When I was in first year college when we had an immersion in our Sociology class in Bilibid prison, I got high hopes that I might see my uncle in there. I did not think of it that much but I tried to search the place. I had my interaction partner and still, no sign of him. During our talk, I happened to tell the story of my uncle and he asked for his last name. I gave it and he surprisingly tried to point someone from behind. I glanced at that person and I saw him looking at me. It was my uncle. My tears fell automatically and I hugged him. All of my batchmates saw me and I did not mind. He said he’s been staring at me since the moment I came in the area. My teacher talked to me and gave me the chance to spend the entire day with him. I just cannot help but feel elated the entire day. I am not ashamed to tell the world of my uncle’s story because I believe in the goodness of his heart and that karma is just around to corner. God will give those people responsible for this their due someday.

We spent this Sunday with my cousins and grandmother. We strolled and ate a lot in Centris Walk. I was happy looking over my cousins and sister like as if I was their mother. They rode the Walk on Water thing and they all look cute.

I still believe in the hopes of our country but it gave me an extra challenge due to what happened to our family. I am in a course that studies politics and soon, I will become a lawyer. This experience would really give me more motivation to do great on my chosen profession because i know how hard it is to be a victim of failed justice system.

It was plain and simple Sunday but probably, to mark, the start of having our normal life with our uncle back. I thank God for giving me a good life with a good family. I know why God gave us that challenge and it is for us to know how strong we are as one family. I will always see this day as a special family day. Always and always.