To Serve and Protect

Being sick, weak, and bored, I decided to catch some fresh air and think about life. As I was standing on the sidewalk outside our house and looking at vacant lots and our neighbors’ houses, I remembered a story that was narrated to me.

*****

Our house here in FARview was only built a few years ago.

One night, during its construction, the workers heard a commotion in front of the gate. When they looked outside, they saw the caretaker of a neighbor’s lot, drunk and carrying gun! He was yelling and cussing. He then started shooting at them! With no weapons available, the defending troops retaliated with what they had in abundance–rocks.

They called the police which had a station less than 100 meters away. The quick reaction force arrived FORTY-FIVE MINUTES later. Oh, but they were the elite SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team! They were late coz they were probably called from elsewhere. Yeah, the good guys are here! They were wearing their full battle gear, looking lean and mean, ready to rock and roll!

Showtime!

As they took their positions and prepared to assault our friendly neighbor, one of the workers told them, "Ser, ingat kayo ha. May granada siyang dala kanina." They looked at him in surprise. "HA? GRANADA?! Naku, gabi na. Wala rin kaming search warrant. Babalik na lang kami bukas!"

And they left.

*****

For service above and beyond the call of duty (mixing cement, hammering nails, painting, etc), I hereby commend the workers for the successful defense of our house. You have valiantly fought with your rocks in the face of an armed enemy in a night combat environment. May you have many more houses to build and defend!

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