Life is Fair

By Cindy O. Monterey

“Life is so unfair, “ these are words  I often hear  from people, regardless of their age. While walking along the street, I paused and thought about it and  even asked myself the same question, “is life really unfair?” 

Curiosity led me to the streets of Manila, outside my room full of books and cases to read. I roam around with my camera to witness the daily routine of various people. I zoomed in the lenses of my camera, and I saw a family living beside the streets, seeking shelter under the trees. As I continued to roam,  it began to rain. I  saw an old man walking with his cane heading and somehow rushing to a nearby sari-sari store to buy a sachet of coffee. The rain continuously poured and gave me no choice but to sit at a nearby bus stop. The rain stopped and I decided to head back home. 

I checked each photo that I took. Zoomed in and saw the smiles brimming on their faces. I can say that life is harsh but when I saw their laughter, I realized that at least they have each other’s company. I saw my shot of an old man with his cane, and my tears just trickled down. I felt something while looking at it. No words, but a chance encounter etched in my soul. 

I realized everyone  faces different battles. Many people cannot see the battle scars, and they are equipped at hiding what they truly feel by wearing different masks every day. We have no idea what they are going through, but one thing is certain, they are all trying their best to achieve something, where not all is lost and there is  victory waiting for them. 

Through photography or by just simply taking pictures, I am able to capture things that are sometimes invisible to the eye, but viewed through the heart. I learned to appreciate the little things in life. I now see and ponder everything. So before I go to bed, I already have an answer to the question… that life can be unfair but we will keep going!