The past few days have felt like a whirlwind of events, a mix of joyous celebrations and heartbreaking losses. It’s hard to reconcile the highs and lows that have occurred in such quick succession.
Last Tuesday was Xavy’s school’s Chinese New Year celebration. The hunt for his costume became a mini-adventure in itself. Lazada’s size guide was nowhere to be found, resulting in a frantic order of small to extra-large sizes. Thankfully, Val’s medium-sized costume ended up being too big for him, so we were able to pass the small one along and Xavy wore the medium. They had their parade on Wednesday, braving the rain in downtown. Xavy said they had a blast despite the rain, which was heartwarming to know.
That same Wednesday night, the joy was shattered by devastating news. Gil had passed away. It’s so hard to believe, he was so young. A cardiac arrest while playing lawn tennis… it’s just unfathomable. We received the call from his cousin a little past 8pm, and Cling2 and Brent immediately drove to Mabinay. Inday Ging and Nong Nathan also headed there from Guincalaban. My heart aches for Mersie and the kids. Gian is only 16, and Gwen is just 9. The timing is just cruel; Gian’s birthday was the very next day. Gil was such a quiet, devoted man. Everyone loved him; he was always there for Mersie and the kids, her rock. She relied on him for everything, even managing their family land in Mabinay. It’s even more heartbreaking knowing that his siblings aren’t residing in Mabinay anymore – his sister is in the US, and his brother is a seaman in Manila. Their parents are also gone. However, they’re both home but will have to leave next week, after the funeral.
This weekend, we’re in Mabinay for the wake. The funeral is on Wednesday, so I’ll have to drive back here again. I’ve put in for emergency leave, but if it doesn’t get approved, I might have to call in sick. I rented Kim’s sedan; it was my first time driving an automatic. I’m not a fan; I definitely prefer manual. We’ve met so many of the family – Mersie’s father’s side, Nanay Lorna with Luna, Mysan, Gerson from when we were kids, Palang and Auntie Vigil, and cousins… It’s strange being here under these circumstances. We were just here the last Saturday for the fiesta and it was a joyous event. Over the years, our Mabinay trips have always been about fun, terrible karaoke, good food, and lots of laughter, reminiscing about our childhood and teenage years. Now, we’re here to say goodbye to someone we’ve known and loved for over 15 years.
Tonight, we’re driving back to Dumaguete. Hans, Mama, Wing2, and Au2 are with me. Tomorrow is Monday, back to work. It’s already February, Mersie’s birthday month. We’ll be back in Mabinay for her birthday; of that, I’m certain. This week has been a stark reminder of how precious life is, and how important it is to cherish the time we have with our loved ones. I hope we can find some comfort and strength in each other during this difficult time.
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