‘Sweet seventeen’, maybe we often
hear these words. Everybody interprets them in different ways. Not a few people
celebrate it by holding a big party. But it is fine. However, for me, what is
most important is that I start a new stage in my life. A stage where I have to
be more mature both in thought and action. Moreover, I must start to understand
how to face the life, how to love the fellow human being, and how to build a relationship
with God, fellow human being, and environment. And this starts from today, I
will try to achieve this goal as my age increases. Therefore, from this moment onward
I will choose a theme in each birthday of mine. Theme, I need it for aspiration
guidance, self-control guidance, and my future life journey.
If I have to say, which was the most unforgettable
birthday celebration for me? I will say my fourth birthday. Because my birthday
was celebrated at one of the hospitals in Jakarta. Yes, at that time I was being
treated in the hospital because I had typhoid illness. I still remember very
well, the wheelchair I used was decorated with balloons. The doctors, nurses,
my parents, my parents’ family who is in Jakarta sang “Happy Birthday”. This
was very touching and unforgettable. The other lasting birthday was when I was
five year old. I celebrated it at an orphanage in Bali. I tried to share my
happiness to them and as well as my thanksgiving because I had recovered.
My seventeenth birthday theme is
“Moonlight Sonata XVII”. Why did I choose it as my birthday theme? I think,
almost everybody knows that Moonlight Sonata is a song which was composed by the
German pianist, Ludwig Van Beethoven on 1802 which was dedicated to his
seventeen-year-old pupil, Giulietta Guicciardi. He loved her very much.
Unfortunately, their relationship was not approved by a Giulietta’s parents
because their social status was different.
Beethoven made the sonata for a girl
who he loved very much with all his heart. From here, we can learn how to love
the fellow human being. Not only for our special ones, but also our parents,
friends, and the universe, and even those who are hostile to us. We should love
people sincerely, regardless of their social status, appearance, etc. As the Chilean
poet, and literature Nobel laureate in 1971, Pablo Neruda said; “I love you
without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly,
without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way.”
Actually, what is love? Maybe it is a
bit hard to be answered. But for me, love is a sacred feeling which is possessed
and comes from self-consciousness of each person to pursue true happiness. But,
people often do not want to accept the risk that comes along with it. After
they face the risk, it is not infrequent they protest if they do not get it. It
is good for us to imitate Beethoven who sincerely loved Giulietta and he was
ready to accept the risk of loving her.
