Coffee, Coffin & Conversations

​​Before I can even process what happened in February, March is over. Time flies so fast when there is a lot going on in our lives. I know, it's been weeks since I posted my introduction and now I find myself writing what happened to me this month.

As you can see, my entry has 3 parts.

It all started with a coffee. I needed a break from the stress, so I asked @cthings to meet up for a walk and some chit-chat. It rained so we stop-by at this coffee shop named SEVEN.

SEVEN is a cozy coffee shop located in BGC. With only seven drinks to choose from, you're bound to find something that tickles your taste buds.

Can’t decide? Try one drink for every day of the week.

That time we were lucky to have the whole place just for us. Btw, it’s my second time here. I never thought that I’ll come back but since I have a free drink card (for every 6 drinks, you’ll get 1 free drink=SEVEN), so, I gave it another shot.

While I was halfway through my cup of coffee, I've realized that, despite its charms, there are other coffee shops nearby that might serve even more delightful coffee drinks. @cthings and I had the same reaction.

Anyway, here are the ✨pros!✨
-pet friendly 🐶
-equipped with charging plugs 🔌
-friendly staff 💁🏻‍♀️ 🙋🏻‍♂️

And has instagram-worthy atmosphere which makes it an ideal spot for a quick coffee stop or just casual visit. I encourage you to stop by and share your thoughts. Perhaps your experience will differ from mine.

As we waited for the rain to stop, she asked, "How are you feeling?"
I paused to gather my thoughts, and answered, "Fine, I guess."

This month, I've lost two relatives, people that were once a part of my life. It's a story I don't wish to share, yet it's a burden I can't contain for myself. I've put all of my thoughts into these writings in the hopes that you may either find comfort in them or just be someone who listens.

It was my mom's brother and her uncle. I took care of my sick uncle for a week as his life got closer to fade. He had no wife and no children. My mom's uncle passed away with his family by his side. My uncle was 51, and the other was in his 80s. Both were expected to pass, but still it feels so quick, so easy.

The comforting phrase, "At least, they are not suffering in pain anymore," echoed through my mind, a reminder of the relief and peace found in the end of suffering.

I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Is it the grief of their loss, or am I overthinking “death”?

In my city, the local government provides free burial services and financial assistance for those who need it. This service is truly remarkable, showing compassion to families in need. It's a great help, especially when dealing with the loss of a loved one and the financial strain that comes with it. We were both amazed about this newly discovered information about our city and causally talked about our plans in our funeral when the time comes.

While death is a serious topic, my family has found a way to make it a source of joy and connection. I always tell my mom that they can go with the “river option” or donate my body to science when I die, and my mom hates it but my sisters always find it funny. HAHAHA

In our family, we openly discuss death, making it easier to talk about. In fact, we availed death-care life plans and a memorial service package, which I believe is a wise investment. I've encouraged @cthings to consider this as well. Why? Because you feel at peace that your wishes are carried out as you intended, lessens the stress for your loved ones, no family conflict and most importantly, it saves you money!

During our conversation about death, I told her that I love the idea I got from the film, The Fault in Our Stars, where they had a “prefuneral” because the guy who was dying wanted to attend his own funeral. It was a great concept, I wanna see people who will be there to celebrate my passing and make a speech of how I impacted their lives. Well, people often wait for your funeral before they say good things about you, which is a missed opportunity cause you’re gone.

Before we return home, I've pondered a question that I asked @cthings and I hope you'll consider answering too.

Would you rather be the first, the middle or the last one to die in your family? And why?

Anyway, thanks for making this far. Just a reminder that the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember the magic of a coffee with a friend. A moment of peace in a world that's often too busy to notice.

High five, still alive,
Gabbi with an e

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_{All images are mine, enjoy!}