Farewell Dear Lingling

She’s only 24, young, sweet and full of life.  We fondly call her Lingling. She’s my younger cousin from both my father and mother side, our fathers were brothers and our mothers were sisters.

Ling and I were neighbors back when she was just a kid since we lived in the same family compound before. I remember that she was a constant playmate of my younger sister, Karen. They, together with my other younger cousins Mau, Nette and Kay Ann, played house and did lots of kids’ stuff together.

I was 18 when my  Mother decided to move me and my little siblings to Manila and since then I got busy  that I  don’t know much about Lingling and my other younger cousins anymore. I saw Lingling though on some occasions and noticed that she has  blossomed into a fine and pretty young lady who’s always got a sweet, shy smile on her.

When I got here in the USA, it was only through Friendster that I got to see Ling again, though it was just in the pictures she posted in her Friendster account . I smile when I see her pictures, she seems to be really enjoying her young life with her family and friends.

Her family is really lucky to have her, because Lingling is so kind and such an angel, she always had been.  I don’t think she can ever be mad at anybody.  As a daughter, she always has been dutiful and  obedient  to my Auntie Tel and Uncle Tito.  And she is very dependable. I remember when she was young, she must have been only in the 5th grade but my Aunt can already rely on her to go to the market, buy what they need so my Aunt was really proud of her.  I think in our hearts, although we never mentioned it to her, we were all proud of her.

But  Lingling is the cousin I will never get to see again,  even if I wished with all my heart. She passed away last Sunday, May 17 at 1 a.m.  All members of our family are in a state of shock and disbelief. My mother couldn’t believe she’s gone since she just talked to her last Friday. None of us can believe it at all, it’s like a bad dream.  I can’t believe it really happened that  my little cousin is gone.   Every time I remember that she’s left us, I cannot help but cry all over again. She’s the very first cousin I lost and so all of us, her family, all our relatives and  all of  my cousins are deeply shaken and hurting.   It seems so unfair that God had taken her away from us so early but I know that God always works for the good of  those who love Him. Right now, I just try to console myself with the thought that God has taken His little princess back and that she’s in a better place now.

We will terribly miss you Lingling. I wish we can take back the hands of time and have you back here with us but I know we can’t. So we will just keep you and our memories of you alive in our hearts forever coz that’s all we’ve got left of you now. Remember that you are much loved by everyone in the family. We will miss you very much. May your soul rest in peace, in God’s loving arms.

Till we meet again.