I was having a usual Friday afternoon back in September 27, listening in my last class, while playing around to make the time fly, when suddenly, I received a text message from my mom telling me and my brother to visit the hospital where my grandfather was admitted. Mom blurted out how my Lolo's condition was getting worse. My world stopped for a moment, and remembered the times when I missed on seeing him.
Before going to him, I chatted and dined first with a friend, since I'm not that type of cancelling plans in the last minute. I lost the track of time, and realized it was already late to see him, likewise, the streets were overcast with a slight drizzle. I don't know what angel pushed me that the next thing I knew, I was in his room, greeted upfront by my two aunties who were already in tears and in extreme sadness.
Confused, I moved towards him as my father lent my hands to hold his. He's still conscious and his senses were still working. He knew very well who have just arrived. I never expected him to be in that state, having shortness of breath while watching boxing in the television. I was still holding his hands, giving him slight massage, when we started to pray the rosary. By far, that was the saddest moment of my life. Having not much to say because I was holding back my tears. I hold on tight to him and waited for him to release my hands first. I believed that was the least I can do that night.
I was willing to wait for him to get some rest before we could leave, however, my Dad who was trying to joke around and make him smile, decided that it's time for us to go home. Lolo uttered my name and called on to me. As I said my goodbyes, I whispered to him we will be back soon. As if telling him to wait for us before he could permanently sleep. He nodded, giving me signal that we could go. Then, I kissed his forehead.
That night, before I went to sleep, I asked God for my grandfather's immediate recovery. I asked Him for more time that we could get to spend together...and for what He plans, we will be willing to accept it.
I didn't expect God would answer my prayers that soon.
I could hardly get up the next day when, at around noon, my mother cried out that Lolo has just passed away. It didn't sink in first. I couldn't believe it because the last time I told him was to wait for us to come back. I couldn't bear the sorrow that just swallowed me so my eyes burst into tears like a flowing river.
But, wait.
By the time Dad called unto us to get there at the hospital, it seemed that what I heard earlier was just a false alarm. Grandpa was still alive, he was just dying. I don'k know what are the odds that played on us that time, or is this some kind of a twist I will have for my story. On my way, I had a slight relief that I could be with him for the last time, but what bothered me most is the thought that I wouldn't take to see him die, and definitely, I didn't.
I was the last person to arrive in his room at the hospital. All the family members were present. My cousins were on the floor and my uncles with my Dad just went out with the rest to eat lunch. When I went near him, again, I was speechless. I knew the moment I would open my mouth and say something, my tears would just flow simultaneously, and I don't want them to see how emotional I get when it comes to moments like this.
Grandpa was the exact opposite of what he was last night. Bed ridden. Eyes closed. Quite. Everyone in the room was paying attention to the scanner attached to him. At first, his vital signs were inconsistent. As everyone were trying to get out of the room in groups, my cousins and I went to the clinic of our Grandmother who is a physician. We stayed there for a while, but not for long.
As we were waiting for something good or bad that might happen, one of our Grandpa's sisters came rushing in front of us. She wasn't saying anything, but we knew then that something's not right and we might as well head back to my Lolo's room. As we arrive, one of my younger cousins who is around 9 or 10, was already shedding her tears at the door. Well, that was it, the moment we left the room, my grandfather's vital signs started to decline.
I never knew that would be the last time I will hear from him...
It is not the first time that I have experience death in the family, but it was my first time to witness someone dies. I thought all those intense weeping and howling only happen in the movies, well right there and then, it's just happening for most of us.
September 28, 2013. R.I.P Lolo Andres Tapales, Sr.
Everyone remembers him as the great judge. "The Supreme Court." The Giver. The Santa Claus. He has a very admirable and inspirational past. He was still young when both of his parents died. Even though he wasn't the eldest, he took the responsibility of sending his five sisters to school and supported them until they became professionals. Lolo was a very good provider for his own family and for his sisters. That's why everyone looks up to him. For some reasons, he may become authoritative and strict at times, but there's always a fun side of him.
Lolo Andres taught me the value of family bonding and get-together's. His happiness relies whenever his children and grandchildren are complete. He would reach out to every family, especially ours here in the city (since they all live in Tigbauan). He's a family man. He always remembers each one of us.
I didn't expect God would answer my prayers that soon.
I could hardly get up the next day when, at around noon, my mother cried out that Lolo has just passed away. It didn't sink in first. I couldn't believe it because the last time I told him was to wait for us to come back. I couldn't bear the sorrow that just swallowed me so my eyes burst into tears like a flowing river.
But, wait.
By the time Dad called unto us to get there at the hospital, it seemed that what I heard earlier was just a false alarm. Grandpa was still alive, he was just dying. I don'k know what are the odds that played on us that time, or is this some kind of a twist I will have for my story. On my way, I had a slight relief that I could be with him for the last time, but what bothered me most is the thought that I wouldn't take to see him die, and definitely, I didn't.
I was the last person to arrive in his room at the hospital. All the family members were present. My cousins were on the floor and my uncles with my Dad just went out with the rest to eat lunch. When I went near him, again, I was speechless. I knew the moment I would open my mouth and say something, my tears would just flow simultaneously, and I don't want them to see how emotional I get when it comes to moments like this.
Grandpa was the exact opposite of what he was last night. Bed ridden. Eyes closed. Quite. Everyone in the room was paying attention to the scanner attached to him. At first, his vital signs were inconsistent. As everyone were trying to get out of the room in groups, my cousins and I went to the clinic of our Grandmother who is a physician. We stayed there for a while, but not for long.
As we were waiting for something good or bad that might happen, one of our Grandpa's sisters came rushing in front of us. She wasn't saying anything, but we knew then that something's not right and we might as well head back to my Lolo's room. As we arrive, one of my younger cousins who is around 9 or 10, was already shedding her tears at the door. Well, that was it, the moment we left the room, my grandfather's vital signs started to decline.
I never knew that would be the last time I will hear from him...
It is not the first time that I have experience death in the family, but it was my first time to witness someone dies. I thought all those intense weeping and howling only happen in the movies, well right there and then, it's just happening for most of us.
September 28, 2013. R.I.P Lolo Andres Tapales, Sr.
Everyone remembers him as the great judge. "The Supreme Court." The Giver. The Santa Claus. He has a very admirable and inspirational past. He was still young when both of his parents died. Even though he wasn't the eldest, he took the responsibility of sending his five sisters to school and supported them until they became professionals. Lolo was a very good provider for his own family and for his sisters. That's why everyone looks up to him. For some reasons, he may become authoritative and strict at times, but there's always a fun side of him.
Lolo Andres taught me the value of family bonding and get-together's. His happiness relies whenever his children and grandchildren are complete. He would reach out to every family, especially ours here in the city (since they all live in Tigbauan). He's a family man. He always remembers each one of us.
He would always give us something out of his pocket even that would be his last penny.
Enough of the eulogy.. It doesn't matter anymore because he wouldn't be able to read it.
With his passing away, I couldn't imagine how sad the home in Tigbauan will become, that was once filled with laughter and joy. It would be really different without him in it.
Lolo, wherever you are now, you will always be in our hearts.
Enough of the eulogy.. It doesn't matter anymore because he wouldn't be able to read it.
With his passing away, I couldn't imagine how sad the home in Tigbauan will become, that was once filled with laughter and joy. It would be really different without him in it.
Lolo, wherever you are now, you will always be in our hearts.
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| I love you. I will miss you. |
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