One Death After The Other

July 25, 2022

A secondary school teacher back home died due to septic shock.

Last week, she was able to join other teachers as they had rehearsals for the Launching of Galaw Pilipinas. On the next day, she wasn't able to go to the rehearsals as she was brought to the hospital because she was already unconscious. She lay in the hospital bed like a vegetable. She was in a coma. Her sister asked for financial assistance as they bring her to a hospital which can cater to her sister's needs. Unfortunately, a day after she was unconscious, she died. She left without giving her husband a child. She left leaving her husband alone.

Her death was unexpected. Very sudden. There were no signs that she was in pain. She was very healthy, bubbly and alive Her personality was loved by many as they say she is friendly.

It could've been better if she was diagnosed with an illness. Her family could've been more prepared emotionally. They could've made memories and spent as much time together. But everything was abrupt. Death came to her like a thief. She's young. Everyone's perception is the younger ones aren't supposed to die early. Parents don't like to bury their kids. It is unusual and more painful but that's what happens to her dad now. Dealing with sorrow as he witnesses his lifeless daughter.

Days after, my friend's dad joined our Creator too as he wasn't able to survive after he had a cardiac arrest. The man is more than sixty years old and his youngest son is the same age as mine.

My bubbly classmate who has high energy and a strong personality lost his focus. Of course, he is sad too. They could've found their dad's hospitalisation bills but it's his body that gave up. Now, he only clings to the thing that his dad entrusted him, his motorcycle. In his Facebook post, he thanked him for giving him the gift of education and for allowing him to know Jesus more.

In another story, a church elder died last week too because of cardiac arrest. Her husband joined our Creator months ago. And now, it's her time. She wasn't that old. Maybe in her sixties. She's mom's godmother and she's one of the church members whom I can say faithful. She's a role model and we were blessed by their lives. Years ago, she had an eye operation which turns into failure resulting in her not seeing anything yet she goes to church persistently even when it means she has to ride on a motorcycle with her husband as the driver. They would pass three barangays and the road is bumpy. One time, they arrived late for church with their faces full of scratches caused by a motor crash. Some blood is evident in their clothes yet they still managed to worship the Lord.

Three death cases. One realization. Death doesn't come at an expected age and time. It's a reminder for me to check my faith and reconnect. We won't know what will happen in the future. So as much as you can, take heart at all the things that you do. Dream but don't forget to praise too. Sometimes we are caught up with the tasks we ought to do to be closer to our dreams that we have little to no time to check our relationship with God and other people.

Cherish every moment. Make the days count. Praise while dreaming and love unapologetically. This is a reminder.

The image is from unsplash.com