Coffee Talks: Proses And Roses

Mangboy

I had a school driver whose name was Francisco. I used to call him Mangboy. He was a sixty-year-old man when I met him. And overtime, he became like a real grandfather to me. I remember how he'd wait for me to finish my class. With a smile on his face, he'd carry my bag, get me inside the school bus, and get me home safely. It was like that for the next ten years. I was in 10th grade and he was around seventy.

Even now, it still pains me that I was never able to tell him that I love him. I never got to thank him for dedicating his life to drive me to school. To pick me up. To drive me home.

He died before I even graduated high school. That was in 2016. And he was there the very day I started my kindergarten class. He was always there throughout my life... and I hate myself for not appreciating that enough.

As I entered college, it finally came to my senses that I'll no longer see him anymore. That same old man with the sweetest smile I know is no longer around. I didn't have anyone to tell my problems to. No one to drink mango shakes with. No one to ask questions about safety drivings and his grandchildren.

When he passed away, that's when I realized one thing: always tell people you love them. Always tell people how grateful you are for them. While they're here... While they're still around. Because that's one thing that I was never able to fulfilled when Mangboy was still alive. And that's one of the things that I deeply regret.

I know he is not around to see this anymore. But I hope that he knows this---wherever he is today. I hope he knows how much I'm thinking about him. And that there isn't a day when I don't long for his presence.

Please, if you're reading this now, tell your family, friends, special someone (whoever you love) that you love them. Tell them how much they make you happy. How much their existence means to you. Because, I promise, when the time comes... they will no longer be around to hear those words. And that is heartbreaking, more than you'll ever know.

Take it from me. Because I've experienced this and there's nothing I regret more.

I love you, Mangboy. Thank you for a decade of smiles, laughter, and love.