December 25, 2010. The Christmas Eve Celebration less my Dad and our youngest, Kenneth. We were in Laguna and they were in Isabela. Also, the very first Christmas without my dearest Lola who just passed away.
Last October, my Mom and my brother Angelo went to Laguna after receiving a call from my uncle. Lola has gotten weaker after her hospitalization. She can no longer eat. She can barely move and can no longer talk. She can only respond with a smile or a wink from her eye. All these signs led us to believing that she will be rejoining with the Father anytime soon.
We were right. Just a day before my mom's arrival, lola passed away. To witness someone dying is not a very good picture, even worse when it's your loved one who's crossing over that other side of life. You may have thought you've already prepared long enough for that day but when it comes, the wall you've built will still tumble down. It was one of the most heart-breaking moments in my life yet it brought me a sense of relief and serenity. Finally, her pains and sufferings have already ended. She breathed her last and died peacefully in my arms.
My mom arrived the next day. She entered the house and I stayed outside. I knew that I won't be able to hold back my emotions and it won't be of any support to her. It's been 2 years since their last meeting and it certainly won't make an ideal reunion.
After lola's burial, I decided to take the opportunity of bringing my mom to Asian Hospital. I believe that the doctors in Manila can give her condition a better look. She's been wheeled-chair ridden for over 6 years now and I can never ask for more than her healing. It was also my ultimate prayer request when I started the year with prayer and fasting. I was very excited and very nervous at the same time to hear the result of my mom's checkup. And God didn't fail me. After her checkup, the doctor told her that she will be able to walk again. After a great sorrow, here comes the rainbow. And it's even brighter than what I expected.
We were completely overjoyed. However, the medication required her to stay in Laguna for 2 more months. That means we will not be able to spend Christmas with my dad and our youngest in Isabela. The thought of it disheartened me. I've been waiting all year for this season. It's the only time of the year when I can stay longer with my family. But I know that God is in control of everything. It was His plan and it should be done. A Christian life doesn't guarantee an always happy season but it promises peace; an assurance that no matter what life brings, God is with you.
I was thinking, "It would've been perfect to spend the holiday season with a complete family. It would've felt awesome to get the chance to kiss everyone a Merry Christmas." And in the middle of my longing, God spoke to me. He made me realize how occupied I was by the tradition of togetherness; that I was missing the true reason for the season. He reminded me that even though Christmas is for us, it is not about us. And that truth gave me peace.
That evening, the true spirit of Christmas was with us. We felt that Christ was with us. He has all the right and privilege to celebrate His birth as we all humans do; and rest for a moment from thinking about this world but He still chose to care. He is a Comforter for the most weary hearts. Our family may have been broken by distance and demise but we were united by the true spirit of Christmas!
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