I carry you in my heart

God gave us a miracle that night of April 21, 2013, at 10:33pm, a glorious Sunday. The Lord affirmed that we are a complete family, always and forever. We were all at Papa's bedside as he breathed his last. We each promised that we will always be together in our hearts, and that the memories and milestones will never stop. I thanked Papa and told him I was proud to be his daughter. And even if I know these things would happen over and over again, I would still choose him to be my father.

Thank you to all that prayed with us and fought with us in this short albeit meaningful battle. Papa is now free from cancer and resting in our Savior's arms. Yes we still got our miracle, we have defeated cancer. It can no longer harm him and most specially it did not take away his soul.
 
His wake and funeral was a breeze and a blur. With the multitude of people who paid their final respects, all I could think of was a man who truly made a difference in this world. And the Lord did repay him for his goodness, He welcomed him immediately into His kingdom and loving arms. Nothing could be more awe-inspiring than seeing his body, facing the Lord of Divine Mercy, embracing him.

 
To those who paid their final respects, extended their prayers and support, I thank you on behalf of our family for the outpouring love we felt during this difficult time. Thank you again family, friends and co-workers and all those whom we don't even personally know, whose lives were touched by Papa in one way or another. God bless you all.

As for our family, we are still in the process of grieving and acceptance. For me I know it will never be the same again. I ask Papa everyday for a sign, a dream or to feel his presence, but so far none. It may as well be an indication that He is already at peace with the Lord. Papa, this poem is for you. I love you with all my heart. It's enough for me to know you are there.

I carry you in my heart (inspired by E.E. Cummings' poem "I carry your heart with me")

I carry you in my heart 

I am never without you

Anywhere I go you are with me

Whatever I do, whatever I say, you will always be there to support me

I fear no fate for you are already there

I want no other world (for beautiful is the world our Lord has prepared for us)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant (a beacon through my darkest times)

and whatever a sun will always sing is you (a ray of cheer through my triumphs)


Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
I am your daughter, I came from your heart

and always and forever, I carry you in my heart.