THE DEATH OF A CLOSE FRIEND FROM WORK

Dear Auntie Patti Koh,

I have this co-worker who is a very nice and gentle loving person. She has been with the company for the past 19 years of her life and we, as a whole in this department are like family. It is because we work in a call center for complaints of passengers who boarded the plane of the airlines that I worked for.

Last August, out of the blue - Judy approached me and showed me a lump on her right side of her neck. I told her I am not a doctor but I suggest she check with her primary doctor and asked to be given a referral to see an Oncologist. She was asking me, why an Oncologist. I told her because this is a lump and it is better a specialist to see and check it. I did not tell her, that the reason I said that, is that the same manisfestation showed when my kid brother was diagnosed to have cancer of the esophagus. On 12 August, she came to me and told me that she has seen the Oncologist and was told that she has cancer of the esophagus and it is on its very late stage that it has affected some of her internal organs. She was also advised to prepare herself for the worst, she has only three months to live, the most. All of us at work on duty that time cried and have forgotten our phone line flashing its read lights. I don't give a hoot about the phone, I need to console my friend. I asked her to seek another opinion, but she said she did see a good doctor and its now time to prepare and put things in order.

She declined ChemoTheraphy.

For some reason carried by emotions, I wrote three poetries for Judy and I want to share it with you.

Judy died Monday 02 October '06 and was cremated and the service was held prior cremation, yesterday 05 October '06.

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
THIS IS FOR YOU.

To a Lady named Judy

SOMEBODY UP THERE

..... i know that there is Somebody up there covered with clouds and surrounded by mighty thunder and lightning;

..... i know that there is Somebody up there that can create tremors when HE speaks;

..... i know that there is Somebody up there who listens and checks on people;

..... i know that there is Somebody up there who gives strength to people who are weakening;

..... i know that there is Somebody up there who understands and listens to people in trouble;

..... i know that there is Somebody up there who LOVES ME SO!

(by C. Delos Santos/09 Aug.'06)


VOICES

..... I was walking one time afterhearing my sister's fate and her child. I was troubled and weary, but then I heard a voice saying to me,
"go ahead and take care of that child, your blood line, and I will be there to help you."

..... I was so depressed and wanted to yell and scream, thinking that I cannot handle the problems of my family, but then I heard a voice saying to me,
"you will be able to overcome all these problems in life with your family, and I will be there to guide you."

..... I was so downtrodden with my son's health problem, I don't know if I can overcome this for my son's sake, but then I heard this voice saying to me,
"your Love for that son of yours is enough to get him well, I will be your partner in the Love that you will give him."

..... I was overcome with emotions with my work and all, I wanted to give up and just turn my back on everything, but then I heard this voice saying to me,
"you will face the challenges, and you will overcome it, because I will guide you and help you."

..... I discovered that I have an illness that is very serious, I asked myself if I can handle it, but then I heard this all soothing voice saying to me,
"you will suffer, but this will be a start of a new life for you."

..... I came to see my doctor and told me that the inevitable, my illness has taken it's toll, but I heard this serene and loving voice saying to me,

"YOU HAVE DONE ALL THE GOODNESS IN LIFE,
IT IS TIME FOR YOUR REWARD!"

(by: C.delos Santos/22 Aug.'06)


SEARCHING

..... when YOU gave me these Eyes;
I saw YOU not.

..... when YOU gave me these Ears;
I heard of YOU not.

..... when YOU gave me these Feet;
I followed YOU not.

..... when YOU gave me these Lips;
I kissed YOU not.

..... when YOU gave me these Hands;
I touched YOU not.

But when YOU gave LOVE -- then I FOUND YOU!

(by:C. delos Santos/ 19Aug'06)

And so Auntie Patti Koh, a tragic end for this wonderful and very nice lady friend of mine. She did not even last for three months after she was diagnosed to have cancer.

REQUIEM AETERNAM DONAIS DOMINE --- JUDY MARKEY.