...4 funerals

It is sad. More than sad actually. 3 funerals in the family. I got to attend one. I was too far away from 2 thers.nd I purposely didnt go home for the other. Uncles and aunt. Uncles were old but my aunt was still young enough. Diseases of the old, you couldnt beat that. you know someday old people and relatives die. But you can just never be prepared for it. An uncle battling with cancer for the longest time in Ormoc. I was looking for a dress for an occassion when my cousin, Ronnie, texts me...uncle N. is in critical condition at OSPA. What do you do when you're in the middle of the ladies department surrounded by racks and racks of dresses. I just wiped away the tears that have gathered in my eyes. I love Uncle N. He was funny, handsome, tall, so Paul Newman. but soon he was in his death bed. I went home for the funeral. The designated photographer. I was so busy taking photos during the procession on the way to the cemetery that I suddenly realized there wasnt anyone left for me to hitch a ride with. I did manage to find a group. I didnt really know them personally, I just recognized them being co-workers of my uncle. What's also sad is seeing my papa's face. The other siblings' faces. What could they be thinking. They themselves are old. Uncle Mench had to be assisted by 2 people each time he moves or walks. I see them thru my lense. I their faces, without expressions. eyes are old. I didnt take any picture with my own camera. I was using that of Uncle N's daughter.

Auntie A. She lived in America with her family. She was married to papa's younger brother, Uncle A. There was something terribly wrong with her. It was serious. but she looked liked she would recover. Then comes the email from Auntie L. from Ormoc about Auntie A's death. It was sudden. She left behind a very devastated husband and 4 children. It pained me so much to think about their lose. How everyone loved Auntie A. I have read of an email from Uncle A. about how afraid he was of Auntie's condition. That emailed stayed in my mind. It stuck. He had always been a strong person. And now he was afraid. I cannot take away the picture of his face, afraid. Auntie A. was a sweet person. Very jolly. Always happy to us everytime their family visits us in Ormoc. Beautiful person. Each time I exchanged email with my cousin, her daughter, I cry.

Uncle M. Ormoc. He had been coughing badly the past 2 weeks but wouldnt go see a doctor. When finally he calls up my mommy, who lives next door, to ask her to bring him to the hospital. Pneumonia at his age and condition wasnt good. I braced myself. I didnt like my phone going off or ringing for fear of yet another bad news. I always think of my papa. I can never forget how he shouted and cried the first time one of his brothers died years ago. I could never forget how he forgot to keep himself in check. I could never forget how he let himself go.

Uncle A. The youngest. like him. Very soft spoken. He also had been suffering from a long time already. But like I said, nothing ever prepares you for death. I heard he was hospitalized. Few months after his wife dies. I didnt like hearing that all his children were coming home for him. It always meant bad news. Then I received the dreaded email. A text message from my mommy about Uncle A's death. I couldnt believe how his children have lost their parents just months apart. They are all grown up, but still. It was just their time. Year 2007 was their time to go.