Uncle Dondon is the husband of my Aunt Daka and father of my cousin Michael. As far as I could remember, he was a very approachable guy and always wear a smile on his face. That's why my grandma liked him so much. I remember one time, we had our dinner, my Lola told Aunt Daka to save some viand for Uncle Dondon because it was his favorite. I couldn't blame my Lola, Uncle Dondon was very kind to her and he never talks back every time she gave him an earful.
When my parents separated ways, it was Uncle Dondon who acted like my father. He always had something for us every time he came back from work. And when summer comes, they would go to his parents in Makilala in Davao and they would take me with them. His family is all so kind, from his sisters, Uncles, cousins, and parents. They lived in a compound where all their relatives lived together. It was like one big happy family.
When we transferred to Manila, Uncle Dondon worked as a mechanic together with my Uncle Bong, Aunt Daka's brother. Their work was to assemble jeepneys for Sarao and the other name of jeepney that I forgot but was popular those days.
It was December 16, 1989, the first night of "Simbang Gabi" and Aunt Daka's birthday as well. My other Aunts and Uncles together with Aunt Daka went to attend the Simbang Gabi". It was only me, my sisters and cousin Michael who was left at home. Then we were all startled when someone knocked with an urgency and so loud. When my Lola opened the door, we saw Tita Daka crying while saying, "Nay, Dondon is dead. "
When My Lola heard that, she went hysterical and cried so loud that the dogs of our neighbors were barking like crazy. I cried the moment it sank into me what was happening. Then I saw my cousin cry and we were all crying. My Lola was shouting, "It's not true, where is Dondon?! And then she passed out. My Aunt helped Lola regain her consciousness. And then I saw Michael crying while saying "Papa, Papa ko."
I am in tears while writing this part. The memories were all so vivid as if it just happened yesterday. I am still affected up to now.
When all were calmed down, Tito Bong told us what had happened. He said that they were together in the house of one of the owners of the jeepneys they assembled. They were celebrating because they had assembled 2 jeepneys in a short period of time. The drinking session lasted until midnight and they were all wasted. Their boss told them to just stay for the night but they still decided to go home because it was Tita Daka's birthday.
According to Tito Bong, while they were about to cross the street, he told Tito Dondon to stay put and wait for him because he'll just have to pee. But Tito Dondon did not listen and a few minutes later, he heard a loud thud and when he looked at it, he saw Tito Dondon was hit by a passing car. He was rolling over the street and then was hit again by 2 more vehicles. It was a hit and run. No vehicles stopped and helped Tito Dondon. His body was unrecognizable according to them. Imagine being hit with 3 vehicles, what would your body look like?
The wake lasted for more than two weeks because we waited for Uncle Dondon's family who was in Davao to arrive. Almost every day, Tita Daka would cry in front of the coffin. She was so heartbroken and my heart also ached every time I saw her and I would end up crying too. It felt like I lose my father.
On Christmas eve, Tito Dondon's family arrived and I saw how devastated they were. They could not believe what happened to their precious Dondon. The wailing continued for hours until they all calmed down. They were talking and talking and crying and crying. Days passed that our house was full of visitors paying their respect Uncle Dondon and condolences to our family.
New Year's eve just passed without us celebrating. But some of Uncle Dondon's friends went to our house and brought some food and some of our neighbors shared their food with us as well. I remember eating cake that time while asking Tita Mae who bought it. She said it was given to us by our neighbor.
The remains of Uncle Dondon were laid to rest in Holy Gardens in Angono Rizal. Tita Daka never remarried and Michael is now a seaman and had a family.
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This is my entry to @gertu13 "Christmas Challenge". I know, this is the very opposite of what the Christmas story should be, but not all Christmas stories are merry. There were families mourning, families celebrating Christmas on the streets. Families without food on their table. And that's a fact. But don't get me wrong, I am not spreading negativity here.😇
I decided to write this in memory of our dearest Uncle Dondon who's been a good father figure to me. This coming December 16, it will be his 32nd death anniversary. May his soul rest in peace.
Date Published: December 14, 2021
Thank you for participating and Merry Christmas.