𝙸𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚊 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚜𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚜...
When Johanna Dumay moved to the City in hopes for a better future, she already carried her heart of stone. Being the fruit of a br...
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“Johanna Dumay!”
I rose to my feet as I heard my name ring through the speakers of the hall, briefly swiping the dark toga that layered my pitch dress as I took my first step.
“Finally,” I whispered, my lips curling into a smile as I made my way up the stage. The University President met my gaze, holding the rolled paper in his hand. Carefully, I made my way to the center of the stage to receive my diploma, and as soon as the paper came in contact with my palms, my heart leapt.
Thank You Jesus…
"Congratulations." The President spoke, slightly bowing as he handed me the paper.
After saying my thanks to the University President, I turned to the dark-robed graduates down the stage and bowed, as part of our graduation rite.
As I lifted my head, my gaze immediately was anchored towards my grandmother in the crowd, smiling brightly as she watched me stand in the stage. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes, the gladness I felt overwhelmed my being. I smiled once more and began to walk down the stage.
Aunt Riza hadn’t shown up. Somehow I expected it, but I couldn’t deny the slight hope I had in my heart she’d be here. I lowered my head as I came closer to my seat. True, she was the reason for most of my struggles, she never consented to my Faith, and her hatred towards me never changed, but I praise God for her life still, if God hadn’t used her to support me in my first years of education, I would’ve never come this far. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways.
It was such a joy, to be able to feel this way. Although Aunt Riza hurt me a lot of times, by God’s grace, I learned to forgive. I never imagined that there would come a day I’d be able to forgive her, but I did - and it was one of the most liberating experiences I ever had.
---
“I’m so happy for you, Anna…” I looked up to the man beside me as he spoke.
“Thank you,” I replied, the corners of my lips rising as my palms clasped with his. It has been two years since the time God has brought Melchour to my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. He was one of the greatest blessings I’ve received from God.
