MRS. BUENA

Today, October 8 is World Teachers' Day. One particular teacher I will never forget is my HS principal. Mrs. Apolinaria Buenaventura or "Mrs. Buena" as she was fondly called by her students, was a kind-hearted lady who, though a strict disciplinarian, was always the sweet second mother away from home. But she did exceptionally well by making our school our . A few years back, I had the privilege to reconnect with her again especially after news of her failing health. I was also active in the alumni activities, which had me visit my old high school twice a week for board meetings. I visited her in the hospital one Saturday morning to cheer her up and talk to her. After about an hour and a half's visit, I was the one who was blessed by a frail woman who said her goodbyes to me. However, I could not contain my tears and had sudden flashbacks of the past. I reached down to hug her and whispered "Thank you" to her and said my last goodbye. She promised me that I will always be in good hands with God.