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Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
My Brother In Heaven
Scarlet

This week, I solemnly prayed a Rosary for my brother’s death. Since I’m far away from his grave, I offered prayers for his soul and eternal life in heaven. It’s our Filipino tradition to show reverence for our love ones who passed away, so that’s what I did. All the memories I had with him flash backed in my mind. During our childhood days, we had good and bad times. We frequently had fights that deep in our hearts made us closer as siblings. I am reminded of his bravery to fight every time I was in trouble at school. He had a strong personality in life. He was adventurous, optimistic, achiever, witty and had a strong will. When I think of him, he makes me cry. I am still in pain and broken hearted. The worst thing that happened in my life was losing him. It hurts so badly. He was my brother that left a deep message in my heart. I really miss him!
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Halloween Tradition
Scarlet

This will be my second time to celebrate Halloween here in America. I’ve noticed residents here are fascinated of putting decorations on their houses. This month of October, malls are crowded. You can see shoppers all over and there’s a lot of traffic in the parking lot. In short, people are busy for the upcoming holiday. It’s like preparing for a huge party. Back home in my country, the Philippines some do it, while others do not. Those who do it will prepare their house for a family party. Some go out for bar hopping like in Makati and Malate, Manila. There’s a huge party all the way down the street. They have contest for the scariest costume that will be televised. However, the majorities of Filipino are in the cemetery with candles, flowers and even snack foods. The whole family and relatives are there and solemnly pray. In my family, we usually go to the cemetery. We don’t go for a party. It’s against the law of my clan. We have a strong culture of spending time to our love ones who passed away even if you live in a far away province. We’re going to travel ahead of time so there’s no hustle and bustle. I just missed it and I want to visit my brother’s grave. I want to see my whole family so we can light up the candles together. Sit down and talk. Since, it’s impossible for me to fly back to my country. I will buy a candle, light it up and pray.
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Death is Indeed
Scarlet

Last October 22, 2007, Philippine Time, my brother Rommel aka Kuya Ame passed away from the disease called Schizophrenia. I was here 18 days in America and it happened during my wedding last October 21, 2007, US Time. At that moment, I'm dying inside, the fact that it's impossible for me to fly back going to the Philippines. It's really broke my heart, I never had a chance to see his burial to say goodbye. I was tearfully down, felt crazy and mourned. Everything seemed to be unfair, one month before, my uncle Lukoy had a heart attacked. I wasn't overcome yet, then unexpectedly next my brother's death. I am having a hard time adjusting to my new life. I am so far away from my family, I feel alone, it's unusual and odd here. Luckily, I'm blessed, my husband was very supportive. I have a shoulder to cry on. He takes care of me while I'm down. My daughter hugs me tightly, listens and stares while I'm crying. Every tear in my eyes, she wipes it out and says "Mommy, don't cry." I'm blest to have a wonderful family. Indeed, Death is another great adventure, knowing my brother and uncle were kind of adventurous persons, I knew they'll going to love heaven, bonding with God. I'm very happy! This poems dedicated for both of you. May you rest in peace!

THE LONGEST GOODBYE OF KUYA AME

Life brought you many challenges
many struggles and many hardships.
The years left their marks as lines on you face
and gray-hues colored your hair.
The sun weathered your skin
adding freckles from age.
Your mind slipped into its own world
where few could reach you,
as time took its toll.

We lost you years before
to the disease that steals the mind
and leaves behind the body to slowly fade,
with the passage of time.
A disease known as "the longest goodbye."
The person we once knew
the one I called "Kuya Ame,"

My wish for you
in this season of goodwill towards men
and for everyday since we "lost" you
is for a peaceful death,
a good death
a death of days gone by.
For you can slip away
without fanfare
without sirens
without shouting
without pain
And find a rest without waking.

This year we both got our wish for Christmas.
You left us with serenity and dignity
quietly and peacefully in your sleep,
the way you had asked to go.



I'M DYING INSIDE

Something so hard
goes stright to the soul;
it seems impossible to get over
and my heart is left with a big hole.

I'm trying to be happy, wearing a smile;
but I'm dying inside.
the world seems to be fading,
and I just want to run and hide.

Everywhere I go i see your face,
and realize how much I miss you;
and on the day you died
a piece of me died too.






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