Friday, March 24, 2006
An Elegy for One of the Greatest Persons I've Ever Known
The night before I learned that Lolo King had already passed away, I saw two figures covered in black cloth hovering the garden twice. I thought it was just the same old appearances of the supernatural; I didn't realize until last night that it was a goodbye.
Last night, in spite of my busy schedule, I was able to attend Lolo King's 40 days mass ceremony and family get together in Auntie Leah's house in Las Pinas. When I reached the place, I felt a certain mood of melancholy unlike that one ordinary day my dad broke out the news that jolly, old, Lolo King, the uncle-lolo who used to hug me tight and kiss my forehead, was gone.
When I saw the picture of Lolo King above his urn, memories of my childhood came returning. I recalled for a moment those times jolly, old, Lolo King would play with us, kids, and gather us 'round for another session of his jokes. His laughter was infectious; the kind that would make you laugh during your solitary moments upon remembrance. He tirelessly told stories of all kind and sometimes would even grab you to dance as he hummed the tune.
Whenever Lolo King would visit from the States, he would always tell me, "Lee-an! Ang laki-laki mo na! Kelan lang na ang daldal-daldal mo, english speaking pa," --that after a big, tight hug and a huge smile. He would then proceed with his usual jokes and stories after getting my hair dishiveled time and time again whenever he would put his hand on my head.
He was an epitome of youth. During the times he spent here in Manila with us, he mostly gathered with me and my cousins. This was probably the reason why most of us felt his loss when we learned of the news. Years suddenly felt too short when we shared stories of Lolo King last night, as if his visits were like yesterday.
Now, there would be no more Lolo King to tell stories to. It had been a long time since he last hugged me; his illness confined him too long in the States. I actually wonder now what his line would have been if he had seen how teenage years brought me; what his line would have been if he saw my new haircut, my white teeth void of braces. I also wonder what his reaction would be if I told him I am having a change of heart towards law and opted to take nursing and forensics instead.
Though I am not part of his immediate family, (we're the next degree), Lolo King holds a special place in my heart. I realized that he actually taught me how it was to smile, how to be a youth at heart, how to never frown because "lalo daw ako papango at tatanda."
I will surely miss him. I will sorely miss my inspiring, jolly, youthful Lolo King.
Like what my cousin, Father Ian said, he will surely be alive in our hearts. I'm sure God has prepared a special party for his entrance to heaven because Lolo King, during his lifetime, became like a little child, in accordance to the teachings of God.
The black cloth I saw was also the black cloth that appeared simultaneously in Cavite where Mama Tita lives. I figured it out that it really wasn't a goodbye apparition for me...
it was the last of Lolo King's antics: his final joke, his final act.
8:06 AM
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I don't care what the world
throws at me now.
It's gonna be alright.
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