My Grandfather Died the Day Before My Birthday

Another leaf has fallen from the tree of life. As the tree gets older, its bountiful leaves that are responsible for making the tree to survive sprouts and do its part, then afterwards, fall when it has done its contribution.

My beloved Grandfather, Patricio Laurel, died later this morning, Tuesday, May 18, 2010. He died at exactly 4:15 A.M. He suffered for a very long time. Our Tatay Pat died the day before my birthday. I don’t know how I am supposed to feel that it is actually my birthday after hearing the news.

Before he died, I still manage to take care of him for a very short period of time. I spent almost 16 years of my life with my Grandfather. My Grandfather is only a human who commits mistake. He is not perfect but he turns out to be a good Grandfather to me. In spite of the mistakes he did in the past, which we are very aware of, we still care for him, especially me. After I heard the news, it was a mixed emotion that filled my chest. Happy that he is finally with the lord, sorrow for the lost, regret that I didn’t have the chance to say “Tay, I love you po,” and confusion because I want to be there on his wake but I am miles away from our home due to my work.

Tatay, wherever you are, I want you to know how much I love you. We will miss you so much. I hope, wherever you are right now, you are happy and you can see us. Please guide us. We love you so much, Tatay Pat.