Bittersweet Reunion [long post]

Last night after work, I went to the wake of Alvz' Mum. I came in and it was silence, except for the very familiar voice I hadn't heard in almost a year - it was Alvz, reciting the prayers for his Mum. I stared at him, noticing how well he carried himself. Such courage. His voice would occasionally shake, but he would compose himself and get back on track. I understand how he feels the the need to be that way, as he is the eldest son and he has a Father and younger sister to look out for.


I was close with Alvz back in Highschool, even before our schools were amalgamated. He was easy to get along with and great to talk to. Sadly, we drifted when I left for the Philippines in 1999. Eventhough, Alvz will always have a special place in my heart.


As the prayers ended, Alvz' dad thanked everyone for attending and welcomed everyone to take a last look at his wife. I made my way towards the front but stopped to greet Tito Fred (a HS friend's Dad) and made "mano". I continued my journey towards the front, then bumped in to Zaldy, and old Highschool friend (two batches ahead) whom I haven't seen in nearly 10 years. A hug and a kiss on the cheek, and we got talking for the first few minutes briefly catching up. We then realised that he had to get back to work (Alvz assigned him to take some photos for relatives in the Phils) and I had to continue my walk up the altar.



So I continued my walk, got half way and stopped when I saw Karen (also a Highschool friend, part of our "barkada"). I also hadn't seen her for nearly 10 years. A kiss on the cheek and a huge hug, whispering that it was sad we had to see each other under these circumstances. We would have loved to have seen each other at a lighter environment. We walked towards the altar together, with me reaching Alvz first. We stared at each other before a kiss and a hug. I was totally speechless. I stood by him and looked at his Mum from where we stood (first/second row).

I left Alvz after a bit to allow other family and friends to gather around him. I settled for a small piece of space just behind the last row of seats, standing.

Not long after, I came across Zaldy again and we chatted some more about the happenings in our lives. Surprisingly, not much has changed between the two of us (only that I was married).


Karen found me again and dragged me to meet some of her (and Alvz') dance friends. I also caught up with another Highschool friend, Patricia, who was a batch lower than us (with a kiss and a hug). Moments later, another friend from our barkada arrived, Jayson (with a kiss and a hug). Jay was also close to me back in Highscool, with him calling me "Ate" eventhough we were less than a month apart. He didn't stay with us long as he headed for Alvz up near the altar.


Before heading home, I said my goodbye to Alvz. We stared at each other momentarily (me temporarily unable to speak), me hoping that I got the message across to him - that I was still there for him. With that, my last words to him were, "Take care of yourself, okay?", wishing that I had left an order instead of a question. Nevertheless, he understood me and replied with, "I will".

Thinking of the many topics we talked about last night, one particular conversation stuck with me (although they may not be the exact words). Karen told me:

"Life is short. You have to do as many things as you can. Have fun."

Life is short indeed. And from today onwards, I hope on playing those words in my head - To help me overcome all the fears and worries I carry in my heart and head, to help me make the most of the blessings that God has given me.