Two Funerals and One Wedding

2008 is a very special year for me and the St. Mary's 5pm choir!

We have had two friends leaving us back to God's arms: Janine and Amelia. What struck me the most was that they 'left' us in a very short notice. Janine was a young girl and Amelia was a cancer fighter. My heart was in pain when I heard the departure news about these two friends. Although my mother passed away when I was 19, her soul led me closer to God but I was still very young and naive in understanding how everything in life, or life after death, works!

This year, I am 26. Much older, experienced, and stable - when facing the issues of death very close home again. It is a challenge; however, it is much easier to handle than before.

When Janine passed away in March, I was in shock after hearing about her drowning in an icy lake in Ontario. Even more shocking was that she was only 23 at that time! She was very gentle and sweet at heart. Just like little Teresa, she is called at a very young age.

When Amelia was living in a hospice for the last month, I had the opportunity to visit her twice - once with Vicky, Sharon, and Horace - and the other time was with Teresa. We also had the opportunity to talk on the phone for a couple of times. Her conversation will always stay in my mind. She is a wise counselor who cares and gives thanks at all times! I could see that she had worries at the back of her mind, but she was accepting and made the best out of the situation. I admire her strength and will to bring out what was the best out from her - as God would love her to.

She is truly a dear friend to all of us. She prepares us with peace. It is sad for me to bid farewell, but I know that she is only better because cancer has brought her and her family in much pain. I really wish to do something for them and God comforts them with love, peace, and warmth through the community.

I also once asked Amelia, "How do you handle to have a relationship with someone who doesn't truly believe in God? (like me and Horace)" She was trying to explain to me how I can make a difference in our family life by reading the Bible and sharing our thoughts together regularly. She advised me to be the harmony for the families of me and Horace - communicating with them regularly and knowing their needs to be met. I can only bring peace and God's love through actions! See how truly an evangelizer she was, is, and will be!!!

In the midst of organizing for my wedding, I share the sorrows from these two funerals. What may even hurt me more was that my brother was in still reconciliation with the family (when I recalled in all of the most important times of my life, ie. grad from primary/ secondary/ university - or even the 25th birthday that I had while he was in town living in the same house, he was not there and did not even care) No matter what, life still moves on! I think that only my father will come to my wedding from the family!!

Despite of many separations and departures, I truly thank God for giving me the opportunity to live and be thankful for all the good things that He has created! The world is full of love, only if we ourselves live it the way it is!! Cherish everything we have and celebrate them through our minds and actions!!!

I have to be 'energized' for organizing the wedding. Afterall, there will only be less than 4 months left!!!