You came at the most unexpected time!
Yes, so unexpected that left the entire family stunned for a few days. Your dad was going to be a priest. That’s the mindset of your Lola and Lolo, the mindset of your great grand aunt who happened to be my mom who is very close to your dad.
You cannot blame them. Adults in our family are plan-oriented, and your dad was going to have his ordination in three months. Everybody thought he will be the first priest in the family. But God had a different plan. Your dad met your mom and they were destined to be together.
Being the closest aunt to your dad, I could still recall him messaging me one day. Maybe confused, maybe afraid of breaking the news to your Lola, my cousin. Maybe needing someone who would tell him, “everything is going to be okay”. As far as I could remember, I told him to assess and confirm he is 100% sure of his decision to get out of the seminary. And If he is certain that the vocation was not really for him, the entire family will surely understand and will support him. Yes, I know for sure, he will hear the never ending “whys” and “ohhhsss” and “are you sures” but these will all pass. True enough, the entire clan supported your dad’s choices.
Not long enough, you were born. Oh boy, I was a lola at such a young age. But you brought so much joy to the people around you. You grew up to be so sweet and smart little boy. Your Lola Neneng would always tell us about funny things that you made, or your achievements in school.
Last month, I messaged your dad to bring you over to Manila during summer break, so you could go to theme parks. You deserve to have fun because I heard you have been a very good pupil in school. Your baby sister was about to arrive, so your dad said, you will visit us when the second baby is a little bigger and fit enough to travel.
We waited for you. We knew you would have awesome time bonding with your little Aunt who speaks straight English like you. We were excited because we knew you both will click in an instant. We looked forward to that time.
Little did we know, God was also waiting for you up there. Your Lola called me at 4 am and informed of your passing. Of all the losses that our family had to go through, yours was the hardest to accept. You were just 5. You had a whole life ahead of you. You left unexpectedly, King, just as you arrived. But we find comfort in the fact that you are happier with God now. In there, no more pain, no more hurt. Just pure bliss.
I didn’t get to see you in person despite your dad’s constant nagging for me to come home to our hometown. Sorry, little one, I didn’t go out of my way to meet you. But we shall see each other one day.
Rest well and please whisper to God that He makes your mom and dad stronger for your little sister.
Sleep little one, you are in solace now in the hands of God. Heaven gained another angel in you, King.
