Xtras

V. Weight of regret

Note: This essay is not a reflection of my personal experiences, but rather an inspired piece from a poignant story I stumbled upon on TikTok. It moved me deeply and I felt compelled to explore the narrative further through this essay.

🍒🍒

There are moments in our lives that we wish we could change, decisions we've made that we'd give anything to take back. One such moment happened to me when my father made a simple request, "Nak huwag ka munang pumasok, dito ka muna." He asked me to stay with him that day, but I refused, saying, "No, may exam pa ko." Little did I know that it would be the last time I'd ever speak to him.

That fateful day, my father passed away, leaving me with a heavy burden of guilt that I still carry to this day. He died alone, walang kasama at nag-iisa. If I could turn back time, sana pinagbigyan ko na lang siya. I would have stayed by his side, cherishing every moment we had together, knowing that it would be our last.

The pain of losing a loved one is something we all experience, but the regret of not being there when they needed us most is a feeling that can linger for a lifetime. I've learned that life is fleeting, and we must cherish the time we have with those we care about. We must prioritize our relationships and be there for one another, even when it seems like there are more pressing matters at hand.

In hindsight, I realize that exams can be retaken, but the moments we miss with our loved ones can never be replaced. The experience has taught me to be more present and to appreciate the people in my life while I still have the chance.

As I move forward, I try to honor my father's memory by being there for my loved ones and never taking their presence for granted. I strive to live a life filled with love, compassion, and understanding, knowing that time is a precious gift that we should never squander.

In the end, the bittersweet lesson I've learned from my father's passing is that life is a delicate balance of joy and sorrow, and we must embrace both to truly appreciate the beauty of our existence. And while I may never be able to turn back time and fulfill my father's last request, I can live a life that honors his memory and the love we shared.