Monday, March 23, 2009

Basta Ikaw



It was never easy for me to say goodbye. Never is. Never will be.
Especially to someone close to my heart.

Last December, I lost someone dear to me: a mentor and friend. She is a precious person who meant so much to her family - a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. It really broke my heart to see her one last time during the wake.

Nearly two years ago, another person I know left this world to be with the Lord. Yesterday, I was at Sta. Rita, Bulacan with some friends to visit his grave. His family was there as well. A mass was held in remembrance of him. There was no more crying; only smiles and happy conversations... albeit there will always be that tug of sadness in the heart. It was unspoken but definitely felt.

His farewell was so sudden; it was a shock to all who knew him. I received a text message about his accident in the middle of a school day - only a couple of weeks into the academic year. After class, I approached one of my classmates and told him the news. At first, he thought it was a small accident or injury since they play football [soccer] during intercollegiate sports festivals. When he realized the gravity of the situation, I literally saw that his face fell. Next thing I know we, together with many others, were at the hospital for a visit and prayer vigil. Waiting for him to recover and to hear the words, 'he is going to be okay' from the doctors was very painful and trying. Especially since we knew he was in a deeply critical condition with small chances of surviving.

Today, he would've been 24 years old, finishing his sophomore year in medical school. But we do not (and should not) dwell on what ifs and if onlys for we know that he is far happier now to be with God. Revelation 21:4 says, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

John Gay once said: "We only part to meet again." I believe so.

"Say goodbye... When I can barely say good night..."  Difficult as it may be, I just think about going separate ways in such a manner that each day farther away from 'farewell' is a day closer to 'we meet again'.

"My days with the Lord are forever."
- Stephen G.

For you, Stephen. We miss you.

2 comments:

  1. so sorry for your loss. this post is a loving and wonderful tribute to your friends and their families...just dropped in to say thank you for the visit.. being chosen as Blog of note was a wonderful surprise.. I am so sorry for your loss.. this post is a loving and wonderful tribute to those that have gone before you...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, Stacey. It's nice of you to drop by. :) Thank you for your kind words.

    And you're welcome - I like visiting your blog. God bless you!

    ReplyDelete


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