Archives: JenDiva's Column
September 6, 2008
What beautiful poems those were. Brought back memories of my Mama who died after two years of fighting bone cancer in 2004.
It really is an inner battle
between holding on and letting go. Thanks for sharing that, Calvs. I am consoled and assured that all is well. As He promised, joy comes in the morning.
My Papa is now recovering his health and strength at home. At 82, he says every new day is an added bonus. I am so blessed that I still have the time and opportunity to do more for him.
If I were there at Ellinwood or CDO, I would have sung for your Dad. I would have hugged you, too. Naa gud ta'y pinagsamahan, even if it was just orchestrated or coerced by you know who. Bitaw, I meant every word I said about your Dad. He was a fine gentleman, and you have a lot to live up to. And I dare say, you have him to thank for your good looks.
We are looking forward to having you with us again. Meanwhile, take care of yourself, Pata and kids.
Fondly,
JenDiva
--- On Sat, 9/6/08, Calvin Genotiva <clrg_ph@yahoo.com>wrote:
From: Calvin Genotiva <clrg_ph@yahoo.com>
Subject: [suhs75] A Poem from Ferlie's Mom
To: suhs75@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 9:56 AM
I'm sharing a poem sent to the family by Ferlie Joy's mom:
Don''t grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh - to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day; he left a void
Then filled it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things. I too will miss,
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, you the sunshine of tomorrow,
My life's been full. I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch
Perhaps my time seems all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift your heart and share with me. God wanted me now,
He set me free
God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around him and whispered
"Come with me."
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer
and saw him fade away
Although we loved him dearly,
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating.
Hard wording hands to rest;
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
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Update- September 1, 2008
My dear classmates,
Founders Week in Silliman flew by for me. I did not get to attend any of the activities although I purposely went there early (the 23rd). The day we arrived, Chito got sick with the flu and so, I was housebound until he and Mica flew back to Manila on the 25th. The only social activity, if you can call it that, that I went to was the nice girls' lunch that Chona, Sharon, Wing2 and I shared at Why Not on the 27th. We exorcised some demons while picking at our food. Ga diet man gud. Right after that lunch, I got a relapse of the flu.
Almost simultaneously, my father was admitted sa SUMC due to pneumonia, BP of 220/130, enlarged heart and prostate. Good thing I was home when it happened as my sister, Evelyn, would not have managed on her own. Had to drag my fevered body here and there, driving everywhere, attending to my father's needs. Where I got the strength -- only God knows.
Then early the following morning, I got news of Calvin's Dad passing away. I just could not hold back the tears anymore. Calvin mentioned to us when Jay was here that his Dad was going to undergo surgery, but none of us imagined that he would pass away that quickly. With my own father's precarious situation, i really felt Calvin's loss, too. I have known Bishop Genotiva since I was a little girl. My most vivid and earliest recollection of Bishop Genotiva was when he ministered to my family when my youngest brother, Timothy, died in 1966. Over the years, my respect and admiration for him and his life's work grew. The loss of a beloved parent leaves a lasting sadness, but as I said to Calvin, and I share this with you now --- This is another inevitable season of our lives. It is our turn to take care of our aging parents, and in God's perfect time, we lay them to rest in His loving arms.
I flew back to Manila yesterday afternoon to have my persistent ailment checked, rest for a while, and make adjustments at work. As I hugged and kissed my father to say goodbye, he told me to get well. He was more concerned about my health than his own. I've been crying since I closed the door of his hospital room. Though his condition is much improved, and we are grateful for God's faithfulness, there are still a lot of unknowns. Once more, I am reminded to surrender everything to the Lord.
Meanwhile, with gratitude, we draw strength and support from family and friends through prayers, kind words and acts. As I read your messages for Calvin just now, I am touched by the fact that we do care genuinely for each other. That's enough to bring out a smile.
With my love,
Jenny
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