Michael - an enigma or a picture of God's grace and mercy?

The Amper children - Michael, Frances, Theodore, and Jacqueline - were all intelligent, gifted individuals. Their education reflected this, having attended some of the Philippines’ most respected institutions: Ateneo de Manila University, Assumption College, Manila Science High School, and eventually, the University of the Philippines. The youngest attended the most number of schools, journeying through Nazareth Christian School, Grace Baptist Academy, Leyte National School, and finally UP.

Among them, Michael - the eldest - had the most academic advantages. From prep to high school, he attended Ateneo de Manila, a prestigious and expensive institution known for nurturing both intellect and leadership. For college, he went on to the University of the Philippines, renowned for its academic excellence, research output, and profound influence on Philippine society. Just by finishing his studies, we can say that Michael was indeed gifted.

Their parents, Jules and Aurora, raised them with strong character. Jules was a man full of warmth and charisma - always smiling, always joking. A natural tenor, he could sing beautifully, and he had the kind of charm that drew people in. Aurora, in contrast, was grounded and principled. She had no patience for dishonesty or manipulation. She was hardworking - both at her job and at home - and she spoke the truth, even when it was uncomfortable. Because of her integrity, she commanded deep respect.

While all their children were intelligent, Michael stood apart in more ways than one. Though he, too, was gifted, his relationships within the family were often strained.  His friends as well as classmates, found him charming and likable.  However, at home, his behavior could be difficult and, at times, hurtful. Jules once shared that Michael asked him, “Why are we not rich?” - perhaps reflecting the pressures or comparisons he felt at Ateneo.  It’s possible that he held high expectations of his parents, and when those were unmet, it bred disappointment and disrespect.

His daughter Yvonne once wondered if he had Asperger’s syndrome - a form of autism - which may have explained some of the disconnects in his interactions.  It’s a perspective worth considering.

In December 2023, Michael suffered a stroke.  It affected his speech and his mind. He struggled to express himself, and even writing became difficult.  It must have been frustrating and isolating.  But even in that painful final year, something shifted.

He began attending church services.  When the pastor asked him about his spiritual condition, Michael replied that he had never left his faith.  Whatever his past, whatever pain he caused or carried, we believe that God was at work in him during that time. As Ted so wisely said, Michael was a picture of God’s grace. I would add - he was a picture of God's mercy, too. Perhaps that difficult year was God’s way of giving Michael time to reflect, to turn back, to make peace.

Michael is now gone. His voice is quiet, but the memory of who he was - complex, intelligent, oftentimes difficult, yet ultimately loved and forgiven - remains.

Goodbye, Michael. See you again.