Always Have Ways to Love You

 

Always Have Ways to Love You

A Story Based on Abraham Prisa Utama’s Experience

XII-A SMAN 2 Kuala Kapuas

 

“Dad, I’m heading off to school now. Today, my team and I will be competing. Please keep me in your prayers, Dad. I’m always praying for you, too,” I said, gently kissing my father’s hand in respect as he lay weakly on the hospital bed wearing his blue patient gown.

I pulled the handle of the door to Room Anggrek 2, a room I had become all too familiar with ever since my father’s health began to drop frequently, forcing him to be hospitalized for medical care. I stepped out, leaving my father in the loving care of my mother who stayed by his side. I let out a deep sigh. I was supposed to be excited about participating in the quiz competition with my class team, X-A. However, that excitement was heavily clouded by constant worry over my father's unpredictable condition. He could feel fine one moment, only to suddenly drop hours later or the following day.

I never broadcasted these feelings to anyone; even my teammates had no idea about what I was going through. I often thought to myself, “Why should people know about me and my family's struggle?” It wasn't because I thought they didn't care, but rather because I was afraid their concern would stem from pity. I didn't want to be pitied! I didn't want people to care just because they viewed me as weak and miserable. Instead, I wanted to prove that even though storms of life roll in one after another, I believe my ship (my life) will sail strongly until it reaches its harbor. I truly believed I could face all of this. Even while my father was sick, I could still study. I could still achieve great things to make my family proud. I wanted to make my father, lying in that hospital bed, proud to see me standing victorious on the winner's podium. This struggle was never a reason for me to despair. God never promised that my path would always be smooth, but He promised to walk alongside me every step of the way. God always has His ways of leading me into a future full of hope.

I set off and finally arrived. SMAN 2 Kuala Kapuas was already lively with the inter-class quiz competition about to start. My teammates and I walked toward the school field, sitting neatly in line behind one another. One of us asked, “Are we ready?” and we answered together, “Yes, we’re ready!”.

The competition began. Our team joined the other classes in the preliminary round, answering questions on Quizizz that required strong literacy skills as well as deep knowledge about national affairs and the nation's history. We completed the round and waited anxiously for the announcement of the qualifying teams. By God's grace, we ranked first in the preliminary round and advanced to the next stage!

“Do you think we can answer the next ones?” My teammate asked nervously.

“We can. We definitely can. Have faith,” I replied confidently.

The semi-final round required us to randomly pick an envelope containing 10 questions. Hoping for manageable questions, one of our teammates stepped forward voluntarily to pick an envelope. Thankfully, luck was on our side, and we received questions we were well-prepared to answer. It wasn't easy, but we worked together and answered them with confidence.

When the second round ended, we rested while waiting for the accumulated scores. Some focused on reviewing key concepts, while others refreshed themselves with cold iced tea under the hot sun. Meanwhile, a few of us sat together doing nothing in particular, “You’re such a happy-virus person that we always feel happy around you,” one of my teammates suddenly said. “Yes, I feel that way too,” another added. “Thanks! I hope we’re always happy whatever happens to us,” I replied. “Always happy, always,” I added with a smile and a shy grin.

Hearing their words truly lifted my heart. I felt accomplished knowing I could bring joy to those around me. Even when I didn't feel happy inside at first, sharing bright moments with my friends made me genuinely happy. It affirmed that the environment and friendships at SMAN 2 Kuala Kapuas were truly wonderful.

Minutes passed, and soon we were called back to the field. We had passed the semi-finals and reached the final round: the ultimate stage to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. We took our seats on the stage. We were naturally nervous because we were the only 10th-grade team competing against senior 12th graders. But once again, I encouraged my team: “We can do this, guys. Just focus on what we’ve learned.” They all nodded in agreement.

The final round was intense. The questions were difficult and limited in number, meaning we had to be quick on the buzzer. Whoever was fastest and most accurate scored the points. The atmosphere was electrifying, even hotter than the midday sun. At one point, we almost blamed each other for a wrong answer, but we quickly let it go and moved on. We regained our focus until the very last question.

Everyone listened intently. The final question was read aloud, and our team immediately buzzed in with the answer. And guess what? Our answer was correct!

We breathed a huge sigh of relief. We had made it through every single stage of the competition. As for the final result, we surrendered it to God, believing that whatever happened, it was the best outcome for us.

Shortly after, as the sun reached directly overhead, the competition reached its closing ceremony. Words of gratitude were delivered, and the winners were ready to be announced.

“Boy, I feel very nervous,” my teammate whispered.

“Do you think I’m not?” I replied.

We held hands, gripping tightly as the tension built. We had a good feeling that we might have won, yet doubt still lingered. Finally, the MC announced: “So, the champion of the Lomba Cerdas Cermat 4 Pilar is… Team X-A! Congratulations to X-A! Give them a big round of applause!”

The whole crowd clapped and cheered. Congratulations poured in from the judges, fellow participants, and teachers. Tears of joy filled our eyes. What seemed impossible had become reality through hard work, prayer, and deep faith in God. For me personally, this was proof of God's goodness. God never stops me from growing. Even when storms hit my life, God shields me from their blast. He strengthens my ship so it reaches the harbor safely.

Dad, I did it!

I made it! My dream came true!

I kept offering silent prayers of gratitude in my heart. Thank You, God. Thank You, Dad, Mom, and my siblings. Thank you to myself for holding on.

After celebrating with photos and expressing gratitude to one another, school ended, and everyone headed home. I made my way back to the hospital to bring a small victory to my father—the man who raised me to be resilient in facing whatever life throws my way.

I knocked softly on the door of Room Anggrek 2: “Excuse me. Dad, Mom, I’m home.” I stepped inside quietly, careful not to wake my father if he was sleeping. Looking toward the bed, I saw that he was awake. I walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and gently held his hand, which was attached to the IV line.

“Dad, is everything fine? How do you feel?” I asked.

“Everything is fine, Son. I feel better. How about you? Is everything fine?” my father answered weakly, offering a reassuring smile.

“I am fine, always fine. Everything worked out for me,” I replied.

“I’m sorry for not being well for you, Son. It must be tiring going back and forth between home, school, and the hospital like this. Pray for Dad so I can get well as soon as possible,” he said apologetically.

“Why would you say sorry, Dad? You always have ways to love me whatever and however you are. And I always have ways to love you more, too,” I answered, gently pushing aside his apologies.

“What about Mom?” my mother asked playfully from across the room.

“And you too, Mom. I will always have ways to love you both,” I replied with a warm smile.

In the end, I realized that a parent’s love for their child is eternal. Nothing can ever shake in its way, and they always do everything possible for their child’s future. My dad and Mom always have ways to love me in any circumstance. And as their son, I always find ways to love them back just as deeply. Even if I know I'll never be able to give back all the love and care they've shown me.