I was sitting on my bed reading my messages on my inbox when I was interrupted by an incoming call and I was surprised to see who it was. She usually asks me to call her – it’s my Mom. She told me they’re going to the province tonight. Uncle Ed left us and they just found out.
Death is inevitable and it is a certainty – we just don’t know when it’s gonna come for us. People always tell us that it comes when we least expect it – of course! Not unless we could peg a date on our calendar and prepare ourselves for it entirely. Even those whose days are counted cannot say when for sure. This makes me want to hate surprises.
I didn’t have time to ask Mom any more questions. They are bringing Uncle to Bicol where he will be settled. He came from the province yesterday and Mom said they still had time to talk and throw a few jokes with him. I guess that was the final goodbye. It is a wonderful way to leave if you ask me. To be able to see your family one last time before you go. I wonder how Uncle Ed felt the day before, the last time he shut his eyes to sleep, the last thing he thought of, the last prayer he said and the last plan he made.
I had the chance to know him when he stayed at our home for a few months when I was a kid. He loves dogs and he cooks superb. I didn’t get the chance to talk to him as an adult and exchange opinions about politics and nature or life. But I know he’s one to talk to.
I’m not sure if I will be there to see him off but I offer this prayer for him.
Dear God, our beloved Uncle Ed has finally returned to you. We thank you for sharing him with us. We thank you for giving us a chance to know such a family man. He helped raise his siblings and deserve the honor of whatever his siblings have achieved and become. He may not have a family of his own but truly he showed he could be a good father. We know he’s now at peace with you and the rest of our family who went on ahead of us. We pray that you take his soul in your care and bring him to eternal peace. We know that he will still be looking after all of us, there, with you. We love you Uncle Ed. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
