Facing A Family Lesson from Childhood

Family separations are always traumatic, especially more so for the children. Parents may sometimes forget the emotional injury inflicted on the young and the lifelong mental stress created in their minds. Lacking proper guidance and understanding, the juvenile personality is molded towards extreme ends of either indifference or rebellion.

Such is the case with Nathaniel Paul Gepuela, younger of two brothers who were yet very young when their mother and father separated. Nevertheless, it is he that often gives advice and exhortations to his older brother who still feels infuriated by the legacy, although already married and with kids.

Nathaniel Paul, or Nat-Nat to his friends, was born 9th of June 1986 in Iligan City, and grew up together with his lone sibling in the care of their maternal grandmother. As increasing realization of their family situation sank in his consciousness, he too was indignant and resentful.

He became more oriented towards his friends outside school, eagerly trying new and exciting activities unmindful of possible consequences, until he got his girl friend pregnant. Her contentious attitude and the disapproval of her parents prevented their relationship to endure.

Having his own offspring made Nat-Nat learn the real value of life and discover the importance of preparing for the future. Already fully matured in his outlook, he came to Cebu to start his life anew.

With support from his separated parents, with whom he still had constant communication, he enrolled in a course on Computer Engineering, while at the same time gainfully employed in a home-based internet marketing business group.

He found a new love too, a lovely young lady having a sweet disposition and agreeable attitude, with whom he plans to start a family of his own. He also has definite intentions of getting his 6-year daughter, to be her guardian and support, because he wants her spared from the suffering he himself has gone through as a child.