Today, I thought about life and death.
Today (June 26) is the death anniversary of my maternal grandmother. She passed away 16 years ago. I was 12 back then, and that was the first time I experienced pain from losing a dear loved one. I had plenty of fond memories with Mama, especially during my childhood years. She may not be here anymore, but she's not forgotten.
Early this afternoon, I was browsing around Facebook when I came across this celebrity's profile. She recently made a photo album tribute to her cat, who just passed away a few weeks ago due to a road accident. I was touched with how she made this tribute to her cat. She held a simple funeral for her pet. She shot photos of her lifeless cat, laid on what might have been the feline's favorite pillow, with flowers beside it. There are also a few photos of the cat in its burial site. One shot shows the cat laid to rest in a hole they dug. And the flowers were thrown in before it was finally buried. The images just moved me. An extra-sensitive person will surely burst in tears once he or she sees those photos.
After looking at those photos, I began thinking about our pet shih-tzu Milo. We love Milo so much, and we really take great care of him. It's a sad thought that dogs have a shorter life span, which means our dear fat furball isn't going to be with us forever. After my net-surfing, I spent some time with Milo. I took him out to our garden and played with him. While Milo's here with us and whenever I have the time and opportunity, I make sure to enjoy and cherish every moment together.
Then earlier tonight, my Mom and I paid a visit to my cousin, who is currently under treatment at St. Luke's Hospital. My second cousin, Michael Agbulos, is suffering from cancer (I forgot which kind of cancer). It was detected around 2 months ago, and now he's going through chemotherapy and all that. Mike is only in his early 20's. It was a very unexpected life-changing event. It took everyone, including Mike himself, by surprise. He had a number of close calls. His mom, Tita May said, "We almost lost him." And during those difficult moments, she was praying so hard. Tita May also told us about Mike's dreams. He had dreams where he saw the bright light. If I remember it right, he even saw in his dreams a relative who is already long gone. And with Mike being unaware of current events, he recently had a dream where in he was in a sinking boat.
Mike is doing much better now. He was awake when we paid him a visit. Though frail in bed, he was in a good mood today. He seemed to enjoy chatting with us, while he feasted on his fastfood cravings. I haven't seen Mike in a very very long time, since we're not that close. I think we were still kids when we last saw each other! But it's great to see a "long lost" cousin once again. While we were there in their hospital room, there were many times when I just stared at Mike and the medical equipment attached to him. Getting sick and death are two things I fear the most. I had moments when I imagined myself in Mike's place, and how hard it can be for myself and for my loved ones. I dread the moment when something like that would happen, whether it will be me or any of my loved ones.
Which is why today, I am reminded not to take anything for granted. We can never tell when our lives can dramatically change because of situations like these. Life is too short and too precious, the least that we can do is get the most out of it and cherish the lifetime given to us. Live and love life.
Me, my Mom, Michael and Tita May. Wishing you all the best, Mike. You're included in my prayers.
