ONCE A LITTLE GIRL, NOW A DEBUTANTE

If only had another chance and another dance with her, I’d be delighted to move a step. It would be a pleasure then to rejoice with her on such Big Day – from simply Jirah to a graceful lady. She was once I’ve known a little girl, but now so grown up in God’s loving way.

Been out from this seemingly boring Facebook for few days, thank God, something came up on my return – the one I shouldn’t miss and should really look forward to. A “yes” wasn’t actually my initial reaction, it was more than that…so honored having been invited to this Great Day. I truly do!

In one unbelievable invitation a way, I couldn’t help but thank God for the many memories with this debutante. I thought I was already forgotten, but I was wrong. Now felt privileged as one of the many witnesses on this special journey God is showering her. I couldn’t even believe it myself how time flew by so quickly. 

That’s when I was reminded of her younger years – a home schooled girl yet so obedient to her home works. I bet she enjoyed learning at the feet of her teachers. So glad was one of them.

That’s when I was led back then to reminisce her childhood days - so happy little girl; so matured at her age (of course, the mother’s character in her overshadows still, just kidding!). She was very friendly and accommodating; a young servant of the Master.

That’s when old memories with her flashed back for the first time in a long while. Funny it seemed, but she was my captive audience who easily cracked up even with simple jokes.  There was one long forgotten joke, and when I saw her again after years, she still remembered and reminded me again (I AM SO VERY EXCITEMENT - laughing out loud). Wow! That’s why she was simply Jirah.

That’s also when I had to open the hidden box filled with unforgettable stories. Now I have so much to mention but it will take for ages telling all. I’ll only retell few things. This will help look back her olden days before becoming what she is now. And thank God for such supportive and loving parents. Not to mention the warm embrace of extended families and friends around her.

Tito Popoy: Hello. May I speak with Kuya Nilo?

Little Jirah: Hello. Ok. Excuse me, May I know who is calling? Hold on!

It was a dialogue one mind would ask. How come she has that American accent and I don’t? I have been learning English my entire life. That’s why I really loved conversing with her. Felt like was in with this accent wished I had. And she had it.

Tito Popoy: Jirah, I want to speak with my Vitnamese friend. Can you call him for me and tell him that… 

Little Jirah: Ok! (dialed the phone). @#$%^&***&^%$#*&^%$#@@#$%^. Ok na daw po,tito.

Tito Popoy: (Speechless)

She was the youngest linguist I’ve ever seen. Her life example in speaking languages encouraged me twisting tongues. It was like the intimidating contender in reality show yet admired by many. She was very gifted in this area. So Tito Popoy had to work hard. She was actually my small teacher in Vietnamese when I started learning (Oooops, you can’t beat me now, lol). She majored these languages at young age that only native speakers unthreatened. But I took it an opportunity to learn in her presence. It was always an honor having her around. Love to hear some Afghanistan words one day – fresh from her.

Oh, it’s been raining hard today. This would remind her for sure of the song (ULAN) when she just started learning technical singing. Not to forget those awesome performances during her own recital – SIMPLY JIRAH. Honestly, no one more honored than I (well, aside from her parents in the first place).

I visited her wall on facebook once in a while, and it was always a joy seeing her grow in the knowledge of the Father, her Creator. It’s because she has been nurtured well – from an obedient girl to a God-fearing woman. Look at her now.

Let me sing this old chorus to celebrate with the debutante: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, I WISH YOU THE BEST; AS YOU TRAVEL LIFE'S ROAD DON’T FORGET THE REST HO LOVES YOU SO. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE, MAY YOU BE THE HAPPIEST PERSON TODAY.

By the way, a million thanks for the invitation. The last dance I actually had with a debutante was twelve years ago. So touched when asked to dance again for this one anticipated occasion. I wish had feathers to fly. So sorry that I couldn’t dance with her or render her a song.  But my heart is on this for real. She has my two thumbs up for this amazing celebration of her life.

God bless and have a great one!