did not blame him instead she worked hard.
She filed early retirement from her teaching job and got a lump sum pay. They started a fruit stand business and tried to sell some fruits. Tentong and her family helped her.
Then she got sick. The doctor told her she got breast cancer. She knows they don't have money so she did not undergo any operation. Minda is always praying to God through Jesus to take care of her family. She wakes up early morning to say her rosary.
One day she talked with her husband and told him to forgive her of all her shortcomings and gave a big hug to him. She whispers into his ears. "I forgive you too." Then she closed her eyes and just sleep with a smile on her lips. Her children missed her so much and yet they know their mother will be in the hands of God because she is a good person.
Minda is a good example of the God who is having a big heart that is always ready to forgive.
Anthony
He has a twin brother and they look almost the same. They are not identical and they are opposite in character. When he was in his elementary years he found a file of money on top of the cabinet. Everyday he could climb up and take a few bucks and buy something for him and his friends. He taught it would be good that he would buy toys for his friends. His friends asked him where he is getting all the money. He just told them that his father gave it to him.
Then his father realized that somebody is taking money from the cabinet. The twin brother told the father that Anthony is giving toys to his friends. The father scolded him and told him not to do it again.
He took a vocational course. Then joined the film industry and became a stuntman and a double to a famous actor. He would jump from the building and not worry what will happen to him. All he wants is to have a job and good pay to help his family. Even though stuntmen practice how to act the punches but still there are accidents. The actors sometimes make mistakes in the counting and hit the stuntmen. Anthony even makes fun of it because if they will be hit the actor will pay more.
He got married to a smart and beautiful lady named Bheng. They were blessed with three pretty girls. Their lifestyle is very simple and fun. Anthony is really a good provider. He makes sure that they always have food on the table.
The film industry is not really giving him a break so he ventured into commercial. He was able to get a good job as a magnum operator used for the camera. He is earning well and was able to build a house. Let his daughters go to private schools. He was really proud to have his three little princesses.
One day he was playing his guitar and then suddenly he was having difficulty in breathing. They rushed him to the hospital but the doctor was not able to revive him. He had a heart attack and died. Anthony was not able to say goodbye to his beloved family. Bheng could not believe what was happening and just went blank. She was so devastated.
People came pouring in the funeral home and telling stories about how generous this person was.
One friend said that one day Anthony visited his place and it was so hot. He asked if he likes to have an electric fan. He told his friend to come with him and then he gave one of his electric fans.
Another friend told Bheng that it was her sons birthday and they don't have money and then Anthony told her to call all the friends of her sons to have a party and he gave them money.
One man came and told his story about Anthony. He was angry with Anthony because he told him that he is worthless and lazy. He told him that he is not lazy and Anthony told him to prove it. He worked hard and now he has his own business. He came to thanked Anthony for being honest to him and made him realized to do what is good for him.
Anthony is such a generous man and how much more the Heavenly Father which provides everything for all mankind. God even gave his Only Begotten Son to save us.
Dismas stopped after telling about those two people. "Maybe, you can come back tomorrow and I can tell you some more about the people here in paradise." He said.
Then she clicked the stop button. "Thank you, Mr. Dismas." She closed her notebook. "Your answers and stories are all amazing and wonderful."
"You are always welcome Miss Sanchez." Dismas replied.
He stood up and waved goodbye. She watched him walk slowly going to the counter and talk with the waiter. He gave him a big hug. The waiter looks very delighted.
Mel put all her things in her black bag and getting ready to stand up and heard a loud sound like a thunder.
"MISS SANCHEZ!" She looked up and saw her 7th grade English teacher Mrs. Butler. "Are you day dreaming again?" Her big round eyes were almost coming out and Mel can almost see smoke coming out from her nose. "No, Mrs. Nutler! Oh Butler," She spoke softly.
"I am asking you again. What is the meaning of the word paradise?" She stood there in front of her and waiting for her answer.
Mel stood up and answered proudly. "Paradise is Awesome!" That is her answer and she knows it is really awesome to be in Paradise.
Their teacher just told her to sit down and she heard her classmates laughed at her but who cares. She knows that one day everything will be perfect as Mr. Dismas the good thief said.
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Interview with Dismas Page 3