Beyond the Shadows ( Congregation Series #1 )

Chapter 10

It’s been a week before Papa’s funeral so I thought I‘d visit after I got home from church. Kaya pagkauwi ko ay nag ayos nako ng gamit ko para makapunta na doon. Pagkababa ko ay nakita ko si Mama kaya nagpaalam na ako.

“ Mama may pupuntahan lang po ako. ” I said.

“ Sige anak magiingat ka ahh? Itext mo ako para naman alam ko kung nasan ka. ” She said while washing the dishes.

As I climbed into the Jeep, the engine roared to life, and I felt the familiar rumble beneath me. I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the leather interior and the sound of the engine. I glanced out the window and saw a bustling street market, filled with vendors selling all sorts of goods. My eyes scanned the stalls, and my heart ached as I remembered the times I spent with Papa at the Manila North Cemetery when we visit Grandpa.

As the Jeep navigated through the crowded streets, my thoughts drifted back to those memories. I missed the times we spent together, laughing and talking about life. I missed the way Papa’s eyes would light up when he told me stories about his youth. I missed the way he would smile and pat me on the back, offering words of wisdom and encouragement.

The Jeep slowed down, and I looked out the window to see the cemetery gates in the distance. My heart swelled with emotion.

As I stepped out of the Jeep, the gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air, and my eyes scanned the surroundings. There, in the distance, I saw a vendor selling flowers. The vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of the blossoms caught my attention, and I couldn’t resist the urge to stop and purchase a bouquet.

I walked over to the vendor, and with a smile, I selected a bunch of flowers that matched the colors of the autumn leaves. “ Kuya magkano po itong isang to? Napaka ganda po kasi. ”

“ 350 po nalang po. ” He said while handed him my cash.

“ Thankyou po! ” I said and left.

When I arrived at the cemetery, and as I approached Papa’s grave, a sense of peace washed over me. I placed the flowers on his grave, and as I stood there, I felt a connection to him that transcended time and space. I reminisced about the good old days, the laughter we shared, and the lessons he taught me. I told him about my life, my accomplishments, and my struggles. I sought his guidance and wisdom, and even though he wasn’t there to offer it in person, I felt his presence in the breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees.

As I stood in front of my Papa’s grave, there was a lump in my throat as I looked at the simple tombstone. “ John Michael Serez, Beloved Husband and Father, 1979-2024. ” The grave is located among the tall trees and rolling hills of the cemetery, and the sun pours its golden rays on the wet stone.

My eyes roamed the grave, looking at every detail. There were several flowers, some wilting and some still fresh, arranged in a bouquet at the foot of the tombstone. A small, leather-bound book was open, its pages fluttering in the breeze. I recognized the book as my father’s journal, which we had kept for years.

As I stood there, I felt a deep connection to the grave in front of my Papa. My Papa is a kind and gentle man, who is always there for me, no matter what. I remembered the countless nights they spent talking, laughing, and telling stories.

I thought back to the day Papa passed away. A day that still feels like a dream, a nightmare from which I can’t wake up. The pain of losing my Papa is still fresh, and the pain in my heart seems to intensify with each passing day.

As I stood in front of the grave, I felt peace with him. I realize that my Papa may be gone, but our memory will always be with me. The memories of Papa and I came back to my mind when I remembered the countless nights we spent together at Luneta with Kuya and we were still complete. I remembered how my Papa’s eyes would sparkle when he and Mama were together when it was Luneta. There was no problem for us and that day was just for our pleasure that will never happen again. The love we shared, the laughs we enjoyed, and the wisdom my Papa gave me will remain in my heart forever.