The father who march for his dead son’s graduation: Real life story
For a student, it is a dream to march and flex the diploma we have because that is a sign of our hard work. It is a great feeling walking on the stage in front of the crowd. To hear your name called by the master of ceremony is an amazing feeling inside out. That is why I am truly sad these past two years due to unavailability of march and physical graduation. We know how dangerous and severe it is to have COVID-19. Some of you are graduate students, holding their bachelor degree and even their masters. For that, I would like to say congratulations.
Later that night, I was browsing my Facebook because I am waiting for the live session of my professor. It was a webinar, in fact. I am so sleepy watching it and taking down notes was hard too. Yet, I need to listen from her discussion because tomorrow we will be having a quiz that includes an essay. The live video will be deleted as well. So, you have to jot down important notes and meaning. I screen recorded it so that I still have a copy of my own.
But then, a certain video online hooked my attention. It was uploaded on June 1, 2022. The video now has 6.6 million views and 450k reactions online. Look at how the video was trending and making noises online. Netizens are sad about it. It was a video of a father, marching alone holding his son’s standees with him. The student named Mark Sanchez died due to cardiac arrest. He was a graduating student taking up BA English at Marvelous College of Technology Inc. in Corodanal City, South Cotabato.
While I was watching the video, I couldn't help myself but cry. Yes, I literally cried in that video and I think it lasted for minutes. My heart was instantly broken and shattered into pieces. I felt the pain of the father who was marching alone, proud and emotional. This father was so brave carrying the standee in front of a thousand people even though the only thing he now has is the standee and presence of his own son.
This April 14, Mark posted about his graduation and he said, “Hello everyone, I am Mark Sanchez, fourth-year BA English student from Marvelous College of Technology Inc”. I felt how proud and excited he was to graduate. Unfortunately, the Lord had another plan for him and was taken away early. It was sad and painful, but you know life is truly unpredictable. Look at how this young man suddenly passed away because of cardiac arrest.
I just wanted to say that every moment should be treasured and carried passionately because like Mark’s life. We cannot predict where and when our life will be taken away. There are several joys and ways on how to become happy. I believe that happiness starts when you embrace and accept what you are. You know, your whole being, your life status, work, relationships, resources and capabilities. You cannot unlock anything in your life when you are so mad at yourself because you lack this and that.
Can we just put ourselves to Mark’s father who strongly believes that whatever happens his son will graduate and march on the stage. Yes it happened. He made it possible when he brought his child’s standee even if he is gone. While I was writing this, I rewatched the video over and over again. I want this video to be marked in my head because it is worth remembering. The lesson, strength, bravery, courage and father’s love is there. How I wish Mark was still alive and see how proud his father is. This is a symbol that father is unconditional too. We say mother’s love is unconditional and without reservation. Well, likewise to father’s love.
I would like to greet my fellow Filipinos a happy 124th independence day. It has been 124 years since we were freed from colonialism and met the freedom our ancestors fought for before. As part of the independence day celebration, there is a band concert of Silent Sanctuary in Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. I am hesitating to go there because I will go to my cousin’s lolos’ burial. But my sister and other cousins are attending the celebration. They will just send me a few photos and videos. I’m okay with that. Again, happy 124th Independence Day Pilipinas.
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I also didn't know about this viral video but after reading your article...I am feeling very sad and emotional 😭