MANILA, Philippines – To the Javier family, a glimpse was enough.

They came in hopes of Pope Francis blessing their son Hector, and although the Pope was unable to see him, the family said they felt blessed just being there.

Hector Javier, 28, is wheelchair-bound. Born with symmetrical hydrocephalus, which caused his brain to be compressed with water, he cannot walk or talk – but he recognizes Pope Francis.

“We wanted him to be blessed but just seeing the Pope is okay with us already….That is already a blessing,” said Antonio Javier, who has worked 28 years for the Malacañang Motorpool, the Palace department in charge of government vehicle repair and maintenance.

Antonio, his wife, and their son Neil – who works for the Malacañang Records Office – decided as a family to bring Hector for the Palace event. Though the pontiff did not approach Hector, Antonio said just seeing Francis brought Hector to tears.

“He saw him. He saw him stand on the platform and he cried a bit,” Antonio said.

The Javier family woke up at 2 am and traveled all the way from Cainta, Rizal, just to see the Pope. They arrived in Malacañang at 5 am and waited for 4 hours until the Pope finally arrived.

When Hector was asked if he was happy to see the Pope, he clucked his tongue twice. Antonio said that was his son’s way of saying, “Yes.”

As a government worker, Antonio was given the privilege to be part of the crowd in the Kalayaan Grounds to welcome the Pope to Malacañang, along with President Benigno Aquino III. Pope Francis, as head of state, was accorded full military honors at the grand welcome ceremony, attended by all members of the Aquino Cabinet. 

Determined, Antonio got a special pass so Hector can enter the Palace grounds to see the Pope. His wife had to stay outside.

This is Antonio’s second time to see a pope. Back in 1995, he also brought Hector to see Pope John Paul II.

“When John Paul II came, we were in the lobby of the Palace. It was easier before. It was a little crowded. He waved to (Hector) but that was enough for us,” Antonio said.

If given the chance, Antonio said he would ask Francis to pray “health” for Hector and the “happiness for the family.”

Visibly tired but grateful, Antonio said they would go home now, because Hector wants to rest. He said they would no longer go to Quirino Avenue and battle with the crowd, adding they are content with their experience.

“Just to see him is okay for us because its very seldom. And his state is very different from us; he is higher than us. So even just a glimpse we are happy,” he said. – Rappler.com