Most of my PMA classmates, after occupying significant positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in the Philippine National Police (PNP), have been given testimonial parades and retirement ceremonies to commemorate the end of illustrious careers. One by one, the end of their careers in the uniformed service came at a screeching halt, regardless of their contributions and capabilities, as soon as they reach the age of 56. Politicians, in similar fashion, due to constitutional restrictions, are faced with the end of their public service by 2022.
While some can still qualify for reelection, others, like President Duterte, are looking at their last 380 days in office. Some of those Duterte appointees, save for a few protected by tenure, also face such eventuality. Unless reappointed by the next President, these public officials are now managing their “end game,” as in what to do next after the Duterte administration. I have a few friends, faced with a terminal illness, that are literally staring at the end of their days here on Earth. Faced with the end of a career or life, I wonder what is in the hearts and minds of mortals like us.
I am in awe as to how some people, who, faced with this harsh reality, handle the end of days with some class and poise. Just recently, the irrefutably popular TV show America’s Got Talent showcased the authenticity of the crooner, as well as her ethereal voice. The song was an original composition, which exhibited the positive mentality and optimistic attitude of a person stricken by terminal cancer. During her performance in AGT, cancer markers were still ravaging her lungs, liver, and spine. Her physique could not hide her state of health, as she was visibly tired after she delivered an exceedingly great song, at least by my standards. Far from being a singer (more of dancer, I guess), I am usually attracted to the beat of the song at first, but, as soon as I understand the lyrics, I play the song over and over again until I am hooked. “It’s Ok,” with the way it was composed and performed in AGT by a 30-year-old vocalist who goes by the name “Nightbirde,” is one admirable way of dealing with “end of days.”
Confronted with news of terminal cancer in her lungs, liver, lymph nodes, ribs and spine from her doctors who gave her a 2 percent survival chance, Jane Marczweski aka “Nightbirde” did not sulk over such disturbing news. Instead, she relentlessly pursued her dreams of being a singer, saying “2 percent is not zero percent.” More than just getting a standing ovation and a golden buzzer from one of the judges in AGT, her performance, to me, was a clear expression that, during our darkest hours, a “bird” can sing with more spirit. Another friend of mine from law school, MRG, whose daughter is fighting a terminal cancer, does not sing but writes. These days, MRG writes with more spirit and inspiration as she quotes powerful biblical verses to share with the world how “end of days” can be faced with much trust and confidence.
Nightbirde’s resilience and MGR’s confidence can be compared with the courage displayed by the Allied soldiers during the world’s largest seaborne invasion during World War II. Forming part of a bigger plan—the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe—these warriors were sent to the unfamiliar with the possibility of death along the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. A good number indeed died along the coastline on D-Day; for some, only minutes upon setting foot in Normandy. I wonder what those soldiers thought the day before or a few seconds before dying. I suppose some of them, realizing the fleeting nature of life, thought about their loved ones moments before they breathed their last breath. Having been given the chance to know that their last days will be tomorrow or any day, Nightbirde and the Allied soldiers in Normandy equally armed themselves with boldness, refusing to give up in the darkest times of their lives. We should do the same. After all, nothing seems infinite in the worldly realm. One’s professional career will end with retirement, a politician’s term will have its expiry, and most definitely, one’s life will have a finish line.
Greater anxiety and fear comes before us, not knowing what happens next after the “end of days.” Those stricken with life-threatening diseases or those in palliative care may well be calculating what to do in life with little time left here on earth. While not as serious as the end of one’s life, those nearing retirement or the end of their careers in government may also be calculating what to do before they step down. Some make a last hurrah, squeezing as much activities as they can on their last days, knowing fully well that they will never have that same power and influence. I was taught that the better attitude, when faced with our “end of days,” is to take the shield of optimism, be significant to others, and look at a legacy beyond our lifetime. The great martyr Stephen, in Biblical times, focused his eyes on Jesus Christ as he was being stoned to death. He called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:59-60). In his final moments, Stephen exhibited a forgiving spirit and even asked God not to hold the sin of his attackers against them. Stephen’s last words and actions exemplified how grace and mercy ought to influence our heart and minds when faced with our “end of days.”
One the most important teachings I recently learned was not to consider death as end of days but as a beginning of a new life. Believers should look forward to the fact of redemption and eventual reunion with our Heavenly Creator. Once we understand the value of eternity with Jesus, we can truly manage life’s darkest nights, similar to how Nightbirde and MRG are living each day with courage and significance. Both have stepped into a door of certainty; leaving behind their restless souls of sickness, problems, animosity, and most of all, fear. Armed with a new mindset that no earthly trial can overwhelm or overcome them, Nightbirde, my friend MGR, and most of those Allied soldiers, hopefully, during the great Normandy invasion, saw their “end of days” with optimistic delight!
As we see the end in our horizon, regardless of our stage in life, let us remember the last words of a Japanese General after losing the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Since he and most of his men decided to go down with their sinking ship, he uttered, “Come, let us watch the sunset together.” Death is not an ugly truth but a beautiful reality. That’s why I love sunsets. For some, it’s the end of a day. But knowing that the same sun rises in the morning, for me, it’s a new beginning.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.
For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.