To Lose and to Love
No one really prepares you on how to deal with the death of a loved one. Although the topic of grief and mental health are brought up in school and discussed in lessons, it barely scratches the surface. You won't really know how you will react to the situation until it happens. At a very young age, I experienced losing a loved one. My grandfather.
The cause of his death was from a heart disease. He was admitted in the hospital for a few days and his health was slowly declining. I remember hearing the news for the first time, it was afternoon and even as a child I could tell that the atmosphere was eerie and quiet. My father's family was not very expressive on showing their feelings so no one in the house was crying or sobbing. It was just dead silent while people were shuffling around preparing for the next few days of the wake or the burol.
During the wake, I helped out in catering to the guests. Everyone, from relatives to friends of my grandfather came. Even my relatives from abroad came home. It was nice. Like a reunion of some sort. I remembered how I was always anxious about going near the casket and seeing my grandfather's body, it always seemed like his chest was still beating when you look at it.
On the last day of the wake, my aunt gave a speech. I do not remember the exact words but it was her sharing some of her memories with him. At some point in her speech, tears started to fall from her eyes. Seeing my aunt cry while sharing her stories made me cry. At that point, all of my bottled up emotions were released and the realization hit. I won't be able to make new memories with my grandfather anymore.
Honestly, I did not anticipate that tears would come out from my eyes at that time. My grandfather and I didn't talk as much whenever there was a family gathering, but when we did, they were memorable. I would always see him at the porch fixing and crafting things. One time, he made an instrument out of bamboo and let me play it. It's a simple memory but those are the memories that I cherish and remember up to this day. Memories that become unforgettable because we share them with our loved ones.
No one is ever ready to lose someone they truly love. So while they are still here, let us make them feel loved like there is no tomorrow. I love you Lolo George, rest in peace.
By: Hector Addawe