Sunshine In Her Ravaged Soul

 

 She lay on the bed, her eyes closed as if sleeping

I didn't mean to wake her 

But when she heard my voice

She forced a smile as if to reassure me

That she was okay.

I was there to visit her

But she was first to ask how I was doing

I meant to ask but she carried on

And I ended up blabbering

About my new job and my new life.

She gave a hearty laugh at my jokes

She was her usual bubbly self

We talked about her treatment

And how she is looking forward to next month

When we need to fulfill our work commitment

She apologized that she cannot join us

You see, we have an important meeting tomorrow

I assured her that we, her friends, will take care of it

She smiled and showed contentment

Then excitedly discussed again our forthcoming assignment.

I went there with a heavy heart

Scared, knowing how cancer has ravaged her delicate body

She has fought well and is fighting still

Every time I see her she speaks with pride

About all the new medications she has tried.

It's radiation this time, she said

You see, lesions were found on her spine

She finds it funny how she always took her legs for granted

Realizing her folly only after

Her limbs went numb.

I blew her a kiss before I left  

And she blew one back at me

Upon seeing this exchange

Her mom beamed with pride

In her heart, she knows her child will be alright

I couldn't help but smile 

The visit was not what I expected it to be

She left no room for pity

She is embracing all of life

Or what remains of it

She is like the sun 

Whose rays brightly glow

Amidst the dark clouds

That try to hide its glory

Truly a sight to behold

Making The Most Out Of Your Life

"Today is what matters most.
For some of you, there may be no tomorrow."
-God-

I have just read for the first time Francis M's chronicles concerning his battle with cancer (leukemia). I had to go to a room to cry... a battle well fought, a celebration of life. He died at the ripe age of 44, an age where for some life is just beginning like mine (I'm turning 42 this year). His blog was aptly titled "Francis M's Happy Battle." He left a wife, 8 children and an entire nation grieving for him.

Who was Francis M, you might ask. He was an icon to us Filipinos. I practically grew up seeing him in movies and in television shows playing roles that I could relate to considering that we were almost of the same age range. He wrote songs that described his love for his country. He was a selfless artist who believed that patriotism can be spread through his songs.

A few weeks ago, I also chanced upon the blog of Lisa, a cancer patient (she called herself a three time cancer fighter) who was chronicling the end of her battle. Her blog was called "Clusterfook- It Is What It Is." I waited for her next post to leave a message but it was too late. That post was her last. She died a few days later. She was survived by her husband Dude (John) and 2 beautiful daughters.

How many of us have taken our existence for granted? How many of us have ignored that inner voice telling us that we are meant to do something far greater than what we imagined? How many of us have reached the end of the line regretting the wonderful moments that we wasted?

Do we even have to wait for cancer or any life-threatening disease to unfold before our eyes to make us appreciate life? Do we have to wait for a deadline to be able to do what we are meant to fulfill in this lifetime?

Have you loved your children enough? Have you shown all the people you care for how much you love them? Is it necessary for you to hear it first from them before letting them know how much they mean to you? Have you said "thank you" where it is due?

Don't wait before it is too late. You are given your time here on earth to do all that. You are supposed to experience light, love and peace while you live. If you live in the dark, you have the light with you to lead you out of it.

Muster the courage to face each morning with a grateful heart... if you have nothing else to to be grateful for, be thankful at least that you are still breathing. There are people out there who are praying for a few days' extension. One day to them would make a BIG difference.

To the families of Francis M and Lisa, please accept my sincerest condolences.

For those of you who are in the dark and still trying to figure out what life is all about, I pray that time won't run out on you. Life is short. Make the most out of it. If you don't know where to begin, start by saying "I love you" and mean it from your heart.



Blessings to all,