"Sometimes, the most real things in this world are the things that we cannot see."
This line is from a movie "Polar Express". The reason why I chose this line to be the theme or the topic for this blog is because of the promising man in the picture, Mr. RJ Leyran. I never thought that this man would be one of the most essential people in my life. I never thought that this man, even if I wasn't able to meet him personally, would teach me great things and values.
Mr. RJ passed away last 2003. I was just 10 years old at that time. I saw him in some movies that I still remember until now, but that's it. At that time, I really didn't know the impact that he's gonna imply in my life.
Years passed. October 2012. Circumstances and situations led me to someone who was related (or should i say, one of the most important people) to Mr. RJ. The person adopted me and treated me as a real son. And when we met, the person immediately showed me Mr. RJ's photo.
That's the first time I saw Mr. RJ personally. Well, close to personally. The first few stories that I heard, especially how he passed away, already moved me, but did not bother me at all. Yes, I was interested to hear more about him, then.
Months passed. And everyday, I'm hearing stories about that man in the picture. And those stories retained in my mind and in my heart. I've heard that he's a free-spirit type of guy. As an artist, as a person, as a friend, as a loved one, as a son, and as a brother, he's dynamic. Always changing. Always extreme. And I admire that.
Most of the stories I heard about him were about how he expressed his love. Unconditional. His choices and actions before his death would define how much he loved other people around him. If you know him well, you'll understand what I'm trying to say.
I was able to go to Mr. RJ's sanctuary. It's strange but I felt his presence. And I spoke lines from a poem which I have long-forgotten before. I want myself to believe that he was there with me, reminding me of those lines. And the poem is about someone who was left behind by his love, hoping that the stars and the crescent moon still connects them just by believing that they're both gazing at it.
Mr. RJ taught me of something which cannot be seen but more real than any other else. And that is love. Just love.
He's a kind of person who is under the law of love. Love for his family, for his loved one, for his friends, for his students, for the arts. And if all decisions were based on love, the world would be such a great place to live.
Yes, challenges and circumstances are always with us as long as we're here in this portion of life. But if we try to add love on everything, then all things would turn alright.
Some may say that Mr. RJ's life was tragic. But no, his life is heroic.
Your stories will always be in my heart, Mr. RJ. We have not met personally, but, the way you touched my life is a great phenomena indeed. :)
I still feel Mr. RJ's presence in other ways, and I'm glad that I do.
Follow the way of love.
-- I Corinthians 14:1
(photo from: http://tanyaortha.multiply.com/photos/photo/58/17))
