He was my room mate's best friend, that made him my friend too. He was not my best friend, but he was a friend... After college, let us just say, we both live our separate lives. We got to bump into each other usually in the mall, and the constant exchange of "hi's" and "hellos" were unending. Sometimes, on a rare occasion, if I didn't notice him, he would get my attention by saying "Apen". We were just like that- but I know he was my friend. Maybe, given a chance that I get to have more encounters with him just like when we were in college, probably, our friendship was not limited to hi's and hellos. If only....
During his necrological services (August 11), all his friends were in tears while remembering moments spent with him, telling everyone how good he was as a friend and how great he was as a person and a teacher. His bosses were there too and were all mourning for this good man. Each of them has a story to tell. But what really struck me the most were the words of one his bosses. She said: "Bakit kasi ang necro ginagawa lang pag patay na tao? Hindi ba pwedeng habang buhay pa ay bigyan na ng necro para marinig nung tao ung mga sasabihin tungkol sa kanya?"--
She was right. Kuya Enteng may not know it but he had touched the lives of so many around him. His wife, when it was her time to speak, was so grateful for the so many people who attended the wake of her husband from all walks of life. He was just simply- a father in the house, a quiet man- the exact opposite of the kind of person he was in school. It was only at this moment when she learned that all his hard works were for them which made her cry more.
A great man indeed. He could have been greater, if only he were given a chance to live longer. Such a loss in the academe.
What happened to him is a reminder to all to never be complacent in life. He was 38 and at the peak of his career, and yet, his death came unexpectedly. Scary but this is something that everyone has to face-- in due time.
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