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My father passed away in his sleep last June 7, 2008. He was only 56 years old.

When I was given a second chance at life after being diagnosed with late stage thymoma, living life to the fullest, treasuring every minute in this world became a priority. I didn’t want to entertain the thought of dying. After all, I was spared from it, and I never really thought anyone I love would leave this soon. However, my dad’s peaceful repose brought an end to all that. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this sense of helplessness, sorrow and grief that accompanies his passing. He was a healthy man- he played basketball regularly and never really complained much about his health. He lived life to the fullest, and didn’t give any hint that he was about to go. Thus, his passing came as a shock to most everyone of us close to him.

My dad was a courageous man. He always encouraged us to get a degree, saying that he had nothing else to bequeath us except an education. I graduated magna cum laude because of him. He loved so deeply, and though he had his share of heartaches and heartbreaks, he continued to love nonetheless. He had principles, too, and he stood by them to his dying day. But it was his integrity that I will always cherish and pass on to my daughter as she grows older. He valued hard work and honesty and exemplified these traits exceptionally while he was still alive.

I am still trying to make sense of his passing, and I am certain that part of me will always yearn for his presence. But I know and I feel deep in my heart that my dad is now in a better, richer, more beautiful place that God has prepared for him in Heaven.

I don’t like to say goodbye, for I know that death is not the end of life but a beginning of something greater. Rather, let me bid my father words of sweeter reunions in God’s own time: ‘Til we meet again, Daddy! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

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