Saying Goodbye...

In the Philippines, Christmas is a huge celebration when family gets together to enjoy and just spend time with one another. However, a sad thing happened several days before the much awaited holiday.

One of my uncles (my mom's older sister's husband) passed away. It was too sudden for everyone that's why it was difficult for us to take in, especially for my aunt and cousins.

My family and relatives are close to each other. Even though my mom is much closer to her younger siblings, she and this older sister has also bonded quite a lot. We are particularly close to my cousins, though. So, seeing them hurt and sad also pains us.

My uncle was someone who seemed strict that people may find it scary to approach him to some extent, but when you get to know him, he was actually pretty chill and even funny.

One thing I won't ever forget are those times when I stayed at their place to either work (when my Internet or computer isn't working) or just have a short vacation to spend time with my cousins, especially when I'm about to go home.

He wouldn't allow me to go home unless I ate first. He'd personally cook or buy me some food before I head out. My aunt and cousins would then laugh because he won't accept no as an answer.

It was gloomy the day of his funeral. I and my father went to say goodbye to my uncle. My mom couldn't come with us because she wasn't feeling well and the long commute would only make it worst.

It was raining on and off that day... But, it was mostly fine during the whole ceremony.

Saying goodbye to someone who's dear to us isn't the best situation, more over if you won't see them anymore. It's difficult to imagine how much pain my aunt and cousins are feeling, but to those of us who are left, the best thing we have to do is be with each other.

Giving support and simply letting them know that they aren't alone is a huge help. The process of grief is never easy. It takes time for people's heart to heal... But eventually, just like every process, there will be an end. People would finally reach the final step... acceptance.

It may differ from person to person, but I hope everyone can heal eventually.