Sergio Navarro
Prologue: When you see what people would do for him because he has helped them first in their time of need without asking for anything in return, when you hear testimonies of how much he has sacrificed to be a blessing to others - people whose names I do not even know, then you begin to understand that my words are not enough.
While his gifts - in music, mathematics, physics, english, literature, poetry, sports and theology, are easy to see, it is the fruit of these gifts - his compassion and use of the gifts in service to others, that really matters. As the Bible says, "By their fruits, you shall know them" (not by their gifts).
This poem will probably not merit space in any publication, but I just had to make a feeble attempt to describe Apung Serge. I do not have the benefit of an editor, but after some rearranging, the poem came out this way.
My Father
by Jonathan David L. Navarro
February 11, 2005
Richmond, British Columbia
How can words capture the depth,
And the breadth of this person?
How can I describe the compassion,
The selfless giving, the sacrifice and the service?
Being thrust into a war between east and west
At an age when he should have been in school.
Seeing the death of comrades, escaping as a POW
Still carrying on, and not counting the cost.
Using his earnings as a teacher, not only
To support his family, but also to help
Those of my mom's other siblings,
The dear cousins we grew up with.
Satisfying his thirst for knowledge
In postgraduate scholarships, at the UP, the Ateneo.
Sharing this knowledge to all
Even outside the walls of a school
Teaching any and all who needed knowledge
With speeches, music, numbers, reading and sports
Asking for no material return, asking only
That they continue with their learning
Sharing deep insights during Sunday School,
That even the most learned would learn from.
Delivering profound messages at the pulpit,
That even the most wicked would be convicted.
Spending time, before quality time was invented,
With his sons and even their cousins.
Teaching by word and by example,
The lessons of life that each one must learn.
Obeying instructions in the Bible,
To impress God's commands upon his children,
By taking time, with his family,
To teach, to play, to work, and to pray.
Joyfully giving his time and whatever treasure,
To his grandchildren, yes my own children.
Teaching them more and more,
As if his time was running out.
At times he was disappointed, even hurt
When I made some hasty decisions.
Still he keeps faith and stands firm,
That his son will find the right path.
I wonder how he knows the right answers.
Is it the years of experience, the trials of his own?
Is it the learning from all the books?
It must be the wisdom, that comes from above.
How can I honor such a father,
As the Lord God has commanded?
I can only try, to be my very best,
As a son, as a father, and as God's created.
About Sergio Navarro: Before the war end at the outbreak, Sergio used to be with the 192nd Tank Bn, an entirely American unit from the continental US. After the Japanese arrived in Bamban, he was a part of the original outfit, the 101st Squadron, Luzon Guerilla Force. Later, it reorganized under Sgt. Alfred D. Bruce of the 26th Cavalry and Sergio was with the Bamban Bn, Bruce Guerilla.
