Salamat po sa lahat ng tulong at dasal

I woke up rather early and restless Thursday morning, April 12. Some minutes after (my watch showed that the time was 5:45 a.m. Japan Time, 4:45 a.m. Philippines Time), I decided to get up. Something told me to text Rommel even though part of me debated that it was too early in the morning to ask about the condition of their son, Chocho. The day before, Chocho was rushed to the ICU for very high degree fever and Rommel himself had to rush back, take a bus to Manila to be with their son.

Before the 7a.m. mass, I approached Fr. Michael to kindly include Chocho in his prayers as his condition was 50-50. Fr. Michael said yes, he got our earlier e-mail about Chocho''s latest updates.

" Your will be done, Lord, as You know what is best for us all, especially for Chocho and Rommel and his family," we prayed through the Mass, through the rosary and the divine chaplet that we offered that morning. " If it be Your will too, please let the stripes of Your Son completely heal Chocho and restore him to his family."

Rommel''s text reply finally came past 8 a.m. Japan Time, past 7 a.m. Philippine time. " Our son now with the Lord, kaninang 4:30 a.m... kawawa naman, di na nya nakayanan ... salamat po sa lahat ng tulong at dasal." We could only imagine the pain and anguish of Rommel and Gemma as we cried upon receiving his latest, very painful update. Yet, we were impressed that Rommel still had the time and grace to say thank you to all for their help and prayers.

A week ago, we rejoiced in the miracles and hope that God showed our way. A week after, Chocho (a Japanese term for butterfly) flies back to the Lord. Aren''t miracles supposed to have happy endings?

As Rommel wrote April 13: " E2 po nagta2ka p rin bat ang aga nya nwala. Hirap but nid Tangpin kaht masakit. Sa apr17 po libing mga 3pm d2 po s bataan, nagpaamoy po xa sampguita knina." Chocho would have been 2 years old this May 26. Why did he have to leave so soon?

In a later text and in our phone conversation, both Gemma and Rommel knew in their hearts the answer. In the words of Rommel, " I belib kya knuha c cho2 pra d n maghrap ang bata." And the sampaguita fragrance was a beautiful reminder that Chocho has never left them, that he is and will always be with them and better still, he is with them now that he is an angel in the best care of the Lord!

Eyes of faith can see Chocho''s death like the cross of Good Friday that heralded the glorious Resurrection, 3 days after. Like the Lord, Chocho is always with Rommel, Gemma and his elder sister. Short though his earthly stay was, the miracles of love and care that appeared to those touched by his condition, by will always stay in their hearts as well.

There is a very popular Japanese song written by the composer who was inspired by the words of an unknown author inspired by the 9-11 tragedy. Entitled Sen no Kaze ni Natte (A Thousand Winds), the song reminds the grieving family members not to cry because those who have gone ahead have never left and are by their side always. These are the original words of A THOUSAND WINDS translated into Japanese and beautifully rendered by a Japanese tenor. May these words inspire those who are grieving to feel the winds of love of their departed loved ones who are always and everywhere with them:

" Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond that glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn''s rain. When you awaken in the morning''s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, I did not die."

And is this not the message of Easter? Of God''s love and mercy for us all?

After his death, all those who loved the Lord Jesus Christ grieved for Him. But He did not die! He showed up and met with His disciples in various occasions, He walked with them, He ate with them, He never really left them or us. He continues to be with us in the Eucharist, in His creation. He is with us always. He is there for us, everywhere, everytime.

And as little Angel Chocho now flies happily with the Lord, do please continue to join Rommel and Gemma in prayers for strength, for faith, and for peace to reign in their hearts now that little Chocho is now in eternal peace and rest with God.

Rommel texted that "mukhang wala naman po yatang hospital bills kasi charity ward si Chocho," and Rommel paid for the medicines and other items from the P70T that he loaned from the company (with interest) and P50T from 5-6 sources. When asked about their "gastos" now, Rommel texted, " Meron p po konti, ung s lupa po mag ask kami discnt, 25k po kc hnhingi, ung servc ng funral d pa po kami nagusap s price, ung s daily xpens sna po mkaya namin."

Should you please wish to share your blessings, time, and concern with Rommel and Gemma, they can be reached at 0910-529-9437 and 0921-572-4108. Please continue to join them in prayers too para " sna po makayanan nila" and be able, with peace and stronger faith and love, to move beyond this present Calvary. With Rommel and Gemma, together we say to you all, " Salamat p ng marami, sa lahat lahat ng 2long nyo... Thanks po s time and pryer."

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