My father’s father [my grandpa] died last night. He was sick since last year and has been on and off in the hospital since years ago. My grandpa is now resting from all the pain and suffering that he had felt over the years. My father died last year, 8th of March 2009. It was really a hard time for me and for my grandparents as well. I think because of the lost that my grandpa became more weaker than ever. I really feel bad for the lost and that my father’s death anniversary is coming soon. I do not want to remember what had happened last year, but I know that my grandpa is now with my father. However, I really feel so bad for my grandma, she has been in a wheelchair for more than five years, and she cannot speak as well. She had lost a dear son last year and now it is her husband. I really love my family, and I don’t want to see any of them suffering. Also, my grandma’s birthday is today, it is so hard to celebrate when your beloved husband died just one day before your birthday. I have been getting myself busy with my computer and websites because I know that my father’s death aniversary is near. I guess, that is my way of comforting myself because whenever I remember what had happened last year, the wound inside my heart starts to be in pain, and tears will start to burst from my eyes. My father died at the age of 42, my parents are divorced since I was 10. I am the only child, and when your parents are divorced it will always feel like something is incomplete with your life, but my father loves me and he wants my life to be perfect just like my mom, that’s why I want to achieve my goal in life, so that I can make my parents and family proud. When he was alive, my papa always tells me to brush my teeth everyday because you know, my father’s teeth were perfect and really white. Before, whenever I talked to my grandpa, he always tells me to pray.

I would like to share a background story about my grandpa and how he manage to be the protector of the “Melo” family. My grandpa married and had 6 sons. My father is the second oldest son. To be able to give his family a better life; my grandpa went to another country to work for years. He saved all his salary, and when he went back to our hometown, he bought a house. I think, this is what I admire about my grandpa. He was loyal to his wife until death, and he had protected and loved his family. I am actually the oldest grandchild of my grandparents, and most of my childhood was spent with their care. In the case of my dear papa, what I remember most about him was his dancing and singing. He usually wears shorts at home showing off his big tummy. He feeds me with rice poured with coffee and fried egg in the morning. My father lived his life to the fullest, and I know that he had managed to fulfill his dream.

Right now, I do not know how to comfort my dear uncles from their loss. I know how it feels to lose a father, and I would really want to comfort them, but I still don’t know what to say. I pray for my grandpa’s soul and ofcourse my papa, and my grandpa [my mama's father] too. They are my family, and I wouldn’t be here right now without them. Please pray for their souls.