Posted in Iloilo, Personal Stories

Daily Obstacle: Crossing the Street

In order to get to work I have to pass by a pedestrian lane (that doesn’t seem like one because the vehicles drive so fast you might think there’s a car racing going on!)

Crossing the streets in Iloilo City can sometimes be a struggle. Especially for a softie like me. Haha

Sometimes I’m as bold as a lion other times I freeze on the spot and wait for the vehicles to disappear, which usually takes around 5 minutes.

I always wonder if I can survive the situation.

I have just survived the chaos and safely arrived at work. An hour early before my shift.

Before crossing the street, I was able to join two men and a little boy. I consider this to always be a blessing because I don’t have to worry I just have to follow their lead.

As we waited for the perfect moment to arrive, the little boy clutching his dad’s hand looked up at me and grinned, all teeth and full of joy like he was having the best time of his life.

I wanted to laugh but I smiled instead.

Sweet innocent boy. I hope he never loses his joy when he grows up and has to cross the street. May gladness overpower fear when he takes that first step against the never ending vehicles. I pray that he will always be excited to see his dad and view life through a colored lens.

Having secured ourselves on the other side of the road, I looked back to see him still smiling at me while his dad fixed his slippers.

Thank you. You helped me find joy and courage in the simple things.”

I wanted to tell him that but he may not understand.

Sitting here on my desk made me reminisce about my pedestrian adventures.

Other memories I have:

  • I crossed the street with a dog.
  • I helped an elderly navigate through the traffic.
  • A traffic enforcer came to the rescue and helped me cross the street.
  • I joined other pedestrians and crossed the street safely.
  • My classmate and I got trapped in the middle of a busy road and a kind man driving a big car let us pass by.

Life is full of lessons and memories around. What seems like an obstacle can also be a fun part of the day.

After writing this, I searched the Web for a similar topic and came across this fun article: 12 Life Lessons You Can Learn From Crossing the Street in Vietnam.

Stay safe,

Rachel