I don't know if I already mentioned about my nephew, John Paul. He was my brother's first child, and he's my favorite. Our story began when I first saw him at the hospital. We are all excited as he is the first born in the 2nd generation of our family tree. When the doctor handed him over to us, I already loved him.

My brother and his wife are young parents, so my Mom and Dad had to guide them. They lived with us for almost a year after my sister-in-law gave birth and it has been a roller-coaster ride. But along the way, we had my nephew who became our stress reliever.

To cut the story short, we almost raised my nephew as he is living with us for years now. I can still remember how I experienced the sleepless nights because I had to make a bottle of milk for him. I experienced singing a lullaby so he could sleep before, too.

Also, I was the reason when he showed off his first steps - he was running towards me. And with all of that, I think I have loved him so much like my own son. He became a part of me, and I would give everything to him.

Recently, we had an outreach program and I took him with me. Note that he is only seven years old. Actually, I asked my Mom first and she agreed. Since my nephew wants to go too, I thought that it was the perfect timing to show him life lessons. And these were the reasons why I brought him with me. To further elaborate all of it, I made a list.

I want him to experience life adventures.

I am an adventurous person, and I would like him to be like me, too. Luckily, he said yes when I told him that we will sit at the top of the jeep to get to the mountains. When we were already there, I can see the excitement in his eyes. He wasn't scared at all - even when the rocky road causes us to hold tighter. And that is what I wanted to teach him. The good things in experiencing adventures once in a while.

I want him to appreciate nature.

I am into nature. I love going to beaches, hiking, and even exploring waterfalls and rivers in town. And just like me, he started to love all of them too. I took him with me during the outreach because I know that he will appreciate the nature. While on our way, he is not talking but I know that he is observing his surroundings as we are passing through big trees, lakes, and the mountains.

I want him to appreciate the simplicity in life.

Before we got there, we already had a discussion about having no internet connection and signal out there. He simply nodded and agreed not to use any phones there. While roaming around the place, I started observing him. He is just looking at the kids, the small houses, and the aetas the whole time. He even tried to meddle with them, but they are shy.

As we start giving, I am also talking to him about how the kids deserved our gifts. I even told him to look around and understand that they are living a simple life there - kids with no phones, etc.

I want him to realize that not everyone is lucky to have a good life.

I am not saying that we have a good life. But seeing and comparing it with the lives of the aeta, ours are way better. This is another reason why I brought my nephew with me. I wanted him to see and realize at his young age that not everyone has the privilege to live a good life. Not everyone has the access to everything.

I want him to realize that there are people out there that needs more attention and help.

When we got home, I asked him about his observations. And I am shocked that he has a really good memory. He told me that some of the kids are going to school barefoot. Some of them has no bags at all. After his stories, I told him that those were the reasons why the kids deserved our help. Among others, they deserve more attention. I saw that he was listening to me the whole time. I think reflection is working on him at this young age - which will be a good start.

I don't want him to be ignorant.

Also, I want him to reflect that what we are doing is good - so he could do it too when he is older. I even started to tell him that these kids should not be laughed at. Their physical appearances are okay. Their eyes are beautiful. Their skin color is just like others'. Their hairs are unique. They are wonderful people. I will not raise a kid that will laugh at them and mock them. It is a good way to open his eyes.

I even asked him if he find them funny, but he answered that he felt pity for them. I don't want him to look at them with discrimination someday. When we were there, I wanted him to play with him and God knows he tried, but the kids were feeling shy. I hope someday I can see them play and have a connection. I really want him to build a friendship with them.

I want him to be a special, better, and kind individual someday.

Yes, this is the main reason why I brought him with me. While he is giving some candy treats, I already saw the sympathy, care, and concern in his eyes. He is not laughing at all when he saw the kids barefoot. I did not see the mocking facial expression on him while running and walking beside them. And there, I already knew that we are raising a good man someday. He just needs to be more open in such kind of acts.

My nephew is a good and smart kiddo. We had no problem sending him to school as he learns fast. He is not too playful, and I think he's a serious type of man when he gets older. Just recently, his teacher told us that he's one of the smartest kids she ever handled - especially in Mathematics. I know that he will not be just an intelligent man someday. I want him to be someone with a good heart for others. A man who is willing to help. A man who will also live his life with purpose.

If you still have time, here's some of my latest articles:

• My Opinion About The Upcoming National Election

• The 3 Little Aeta Boys & The Gifts They Received

• 21 Dreams I Think About

• When You're Angry, Be Silent!

• March Outreach Program Successful

Published: <March 28 2022>
Author   : <charmingcherry08>

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