Our Life in Words and Photos

A few posts back, I blogged about the 6.2 mile walk I did for the AIDS Foundation to raise funds.  I wish they had something similar for prostate cancer.  This is one cause so dear to my heart.  I'd probably raise funds with a little more passion.  I hate the Big C.  Everyday I pray that a cure will soon be found to spare those suffering from this disease. 

Eighteen years ago, I lost one of the most important people in my life to prostate cancer - my grandfather.  I was only 12 then, but my heart was torn to pieces.  He was my closest kin, and being the eldest grandchild, I was his favorite.  When he was alive, nobody could hurt me and get away with it.  Talk about a spoiled brat!  If I wanted something, all I need to do is ask and I'd get it. 

I guess I was this close to him because he was one person who believed in me.  At the end of every school year, he would give me gifts - my incentive for bringing home good grades.  To him, I am the smartest one even when my other cousins actually made it to the honor roll.  He had high hopes for me too.  He wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer.  He always knew I had it in me. 

For sometime, I questioned God why he took tatay away from me.  I didn't only lose a grandfather, but I lost an ally.  Our relatives couldn't lay a finger at us when he was alive because they would hear tatay's wrath.  When he passed away, we were taunted and mocked upon.  They thought we wouldn't amount to anything.

I eventually proved them wrong.  Because someone believed in me, I had the courage to dream.  I dreamt big because that was what he taught me to do.  I aimed high because he wouldn't expect anything less.  I had to achieve my goals because I knew he was right beside me, watching and guiding me.  For every failure, I am able to stand up because I knew he was cheering for me.  For every success, I knew he was celebrating with me. 

Whenever I'd come home, I would visit his grave and pray.  18 years have passed but I still can't help but cry.  When I remember him, I still get teary-eyed.  You don't get over losing someone you love.  You just keep good memories flowing through your thoughts. 

He had been my angel when he was alive.  Now he is truly an angel keeping watch over me.