*sigh*
Death. I hate it and all things associated with it… but a very common occurence in our lives. It’s a constant reminder of our mortality and how we can "never ever" take things for granted. I hope all of you can find it in your hearts to forgive someone that has hurt you, even deeply. Life is too short and precious to begrudge someone of the essence of your existence. YOU were put on this earth for a purpose. I believe that anyone we meet on the journeys or crossroads in our lives changes us, evolves us and makes us strive to become a better parent,son/daughter, sibling, friend… human being.
This year I feel like I’m being slapped with my mortality again and again. Of how the cycle of life continues . Some friends gave birth the beginning of this year and some friends lost their loved ones. I lost a beloved lolo on my mother’s side.
It’s the middle of the year and now I feel like the wheels have turned and caught me by surprise again! Some friends are expecting and some have given birth, while others are bereaved of a father, mother and child.
Tonight I was just informed of a former schoolmate’s passing. Candace Kelly. It came as a complete shock to everyone in our batch i guess. Msgs were sent on facebook left and right. I’m still reeling with disbelief.
I remember my first day of high school here. I was torn between indignation (that I have left all my friends back home) and apprehension of how I was going to survive. By 10th grade people have their own cliques, walking the hallway alone in school was so disheartening for me. I missed my old high school gang even more(there were i think 12 of us so wherever you go someone’s always with you..even getting your lunch sa "service").
So anyway, a couple of minutes after the first day’s homeroom class was over, there was Sonia whom I met at the bus stop and took me into her group. Others on that group found me weird because I was so shy then I couldn’t utter a word. Candace was the only one who kept on including me even if I had no idea who they were talking about and what they did at mt. cascade.Throughout highschool I have gained my flip friends and some others but Sonia and Candace would always have a special spot of fond memories etched in my heart for their unquestioning acceptance and encouraging smiles.
So to Candace… the woman with a kind heart and ready smile. I’m so sorry you were taken away so soon from us and so sorry your little girl would never witness how wonderful you were. But I would always be thankful that I have met you even for a little while in high school. God bless you and may you rest in peace…
