….I would be late for work so I took a cab. The cab's driver was tuned in to a news report about a mother and her daugher who jumped off a jeepney because they were being robbed. They did not survive. I suddenly felt a chilling sensation went up my spine. My heart beat faster. Then I felt like throwing up. Suddenly I remembered one night in November of 2002 when I did the same thing—jumped off a jeepney because a robber was about to stab me. Obviously, I survived.
For some of my friends, jumping off a jeepney was a foolish decision especially that it was running fast. But it wasn't really a decision I HAD make. I couldn't even remember thinking of what to do when the robber thrusted a knife towards me. Everything happened so fast. When the knife was only about two inches away from my body, I just jumped off. It was adrenalin rush. After a series of thorough medical examinations, the doctors cleared me of any serious injury.
It has been almost four years since the accident happened. My scars and bruises have healed. I have noticed, however, that the coccygeal part of my body hurts when I do strenuous physical activities for long hours or when I am in very cold places. I used to compete in badminton and table tennis and practice almost everyday. But after the accident I could not play as often I used to. I now play just to relieve stress or play with some kids. No more competition. It's a self-imposed rule even if the doctor told me I can still play and compete.
The robbery was one of the situations I never believed would happen to me. But it did. And by God's grace, I survived. Today, I look at each day as a "bonus" and try to live life the best way I could.