Tuesday with Andy

To walk or to bike?  Today I decided to bike after a long hiatus from my daily morning exercise, thanks to the week-long tropical depression, Maring.  Today is Tuesday, as in choose-day, so I also chose to be BEAUTIFUL and BLESSED...

So there I was along the C-5 road in Sucat, Parañaque, leading to the Golden Haven cemetery in Las Piñas.  This route is a biker's haven, with its long stretch and slopes, where you can meet and greet your fellow cyclers.  Today, I met a very special co-biker.  At the cemetery, this guy pedaled alongside me and as he went past me, the impression that hit me was that this is a professional biker with his complete outfit and his state-of-the-art bike. Then, lo and behold! He was pedaling with ONE leg!  I followed him and as I got close enough, I told him, "kinagagalak ko po kayong makasabay ngayong umaga!" (I am delighted to be with you this morning!)

It was like I spotted a celebrity! Indeed, he is!  Korina Sanchez has featured Mr. Andy Avellana, a triathloner and swimming coach on ONE leg!  Ate age 14, he met a bus accident in Bicol where he lost his one leg.  Growing up, he had to deal with the worry of his parents who called him "lapitin sa disgrasya" (accident prone).  He defied them as he trained to become the athlete and teacher that he is now.  He is also married with children.

I made the right choices today - to bike, to be beautiful and to be blessed.  I am blessed to have met Andy.  Amidst my issues with myself, my low self-esteem, here is a guy with only one leg living a life more than some people with complete parts.

"Habang may buhay, ang Diyos ay gumagabay" (While we live, God is always our guide).  This is so cliche but coming from Andy, it makes a real mark.  We can lose everything but with God on our side, we have everything.

Thank you Tuesday.  Thank you Andy. Thank you GOD.  I am so BEAUTIFUL and BLESSED!