Trust...

I guess one of the highlights I had this month was attending the Testimonial dinner that Naval Air Group (NAG) prepared for my dad. That morning, 17 March 2009, dad had his what they call “Champagne Flight” at NAG, Sangley Point, Cavite City. It was a privilege they give to those Naval Aviators who are about to retire (my dad will retire this April 2009). My dad flew the BN Islander, an aircraft he used to pilot in the past. I was not there that morning (I had my morning class) but when mom and leo told me about it, I knew I missed a lot. The experience was so surreal for my dad. As he related it to us, it was like he was flying through the past mementos, appreciating the wind that carried him through, thanking the sun that shined his path and recognizing the rains which made him stronger and wiser in his flight. The happiness, which was so evident in my dad that morning, was beyond words and description (will post some pictures as soon as I got dad’s camera). Seeing that joy emanating through him is a reward and treasure that no amount of money could ever match.

That evening, we did attend the Testimonial dinner. I believe it was a memorable night for my dad. An AVP was presented showing old pictures when he was young, when he joined the NAG and when he chose a career outside NAG (some young aviators went to our house and asked some old pictures of my dad). As I look at him watching the AVP, I could just smile knowing that my dad enjoys every minute of it.

There was a part there when my dad had to make a speech. It was a pretty lengthy one where he described all his trials and feats, his failures and successes, his ups and downs. But this is the one that I will never forget… at the end of his speech, he mentioned a particular verse, let me reiterate what he said in the latter part of his speech… teary eyed he said…

“In the past 60 years of my life, I have learned a lot of lessons. Life is not just a matter of making choices, but more so about making the right decisions. In making the right decisions in life, we need training, experience and most of all, wisdom… that can only come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this, I would like to share this verse from the Bible written by King Solomon as he ruled the Kingdom of Israel with wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 says ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.’ This verse has guided me in so many major decisions I have. I may not have realized it then but looking back, I realized that it had indeed helped me make the right decision. God directed my path. He, too, can do that in your life…”

It was something that not only inspired the young aviators but also inspired me and Leo, his children. It was a good reminder for me as well because I, myself, was facing a crucial crossroad in life at that time and yes, was on the verge of making a major decision. I don’t know the future, no one does. But I know someone who knows, and I’m resting in the palm of His hand, I guess, that’s good enough comfort in this erratic unstable world, hehe! I should learn to cultivate that trust more in the Lord and acknowledge Him in every minute detail in my life… yes, that promise is there, God will direct my path.

My dad inspired me in a lot of ways. I know that his flight in life is not finished yet. He is still flying. He would still encounter a peaceful sky or stormy heavens. But the good thing that I have seen in him is that even if he had reached that highest point in his career, my dad still let God to be the sole Captain of his life. Kudos to you Capt. Eligio P. Parcon Jr. our captain, our father, our inspiration.