Goodbyes

September seems to be a time of goodbyes for people we know. I already lost count of how many relatives and acquaintances the grim reaper (death) took away this month. We attended some wakes and funerals; others we did not, unfortunately.

And today turned out to be a really heavy (sad) time for a brother-in-law's family, especially for two young adults who just lost a Dad to cancer, the same culprit that took their Mom a few years ago. Darn it. F*ck it.

The family may have known a day like this would come, but one is never truly prepared. It is not that easy. It never was, and never will be.

The last time I sat down for a chat with him was at my niece's graduation celebration in May. He had a patch on his neck then, and his voice was hoarse, but he was still cheerful and smiled a lot. His daughter stayed beside him, ready to assist her father.

I learned that it had been 9 years since he was diagnosed, underwent a couple of surgeries, and chemo too. It was a long, arduous battle for him and his family, but they fought bravely, keeping their faith that he would have a little more time.

Maybe the Heavens did give him some...

"He was prepared," people whispered. "He is now free from pain," others added. There was relief that he was no longer suffering. Yeah... We can take comfort in that. I imagined him smiling, embracing his wife as they met beyond the rainbow. And I'd like to think they will continue to guide their children even when they are no longer physically around. And I also believe they know their kids are loved and won't feel all alone while they are gone.

So fly high and rest easy, Kuya C. Until we meet again... [but not too soon🙏]