The total and permanent cessation of all the vital functions of the body, the end of life, death. Loss of a loved one: it can be seen, but it is more felt.
After I unlocked the secret of Buda, my trail continued.
My father died, and an island comforted me: the trails of Camudmud, Samal Island.
That was April of 2006, I lost my father. It was dark. It was sad. I can no longer fulfill what my father asked me to if I will have a stable work: just to simply fill his refrigerator with fruits and milk. But...he's already gone and totally out of my trail. Now, I have to face life without him. I took refuge from God, my family, and my friends.
A week after my father's burial, the family decided to unwind from emotional and physical stress during the wake. Friends joined the trail and we headed to Camudmud, Samal Island.
IGaCoS or Island Garden City of Samal is a 2nd class city in the province of Davao del Norte. Camudmud is one of the 46 barangays of the island. Upon reaching the trail, the place was very quiet, calm, and light. Somehow, it absorbed the sadness within me. The fun started rolling as we launched the Wetlympics Game.
After the fun-filled game through out the day, we tasted the island evening with a bonfire. I felt so relaxed. We had some reflections and shared some spiritual thoughts. I was comforted.
Warmth.
The bonfire and the moonlight.
The Trail Impact:
Indeed, death is inevitable, it is part of our trail here on earth. Loss of a loved one is not a joke. It will surely break your bones. But taking it positively is a choice. Accepting it would be lighter when you face it holding the hands of your family, leaning on the shoulders of your true friends, and trusting the heart of God who created you.
What about you? Was there a time that the nature comforted you when you had a heavy heart? Share your trails by dropping your comments below!
Your Trailblazer,
Dave :)
hi dave, i'm glad i knew u in person. u're such a very gifted and talented man of God... way back 2007 when i first knew u and met u in person (through KASIKAS), i would say, u're the best....friend of all.... full of fun....full of joy... i remember when we're having a prayer time with ur FROCs group, we had dinner at one of the nice restuarant in davao with ur mum and after that we went to visit ur dads tombstone. i can't forget those moment that once in my life i met all of you guys. this blog somehow relate to me how it all was when ur dad passed away..very wonderful memory indeed..all things work together for good. (Romans 8:28) keep going, dave... a great future awaits for u.. God bless.. Ate Lanna Rae
ReplyDeleteAte Lana:
DeleteThank you so much for dropping by. You too is a big inspiration to FROC especially to me. Your trail is a blessing and your faith is influencing. With your comment, I missed Tatay more. Thank you for the kind words ate. Hope you will continue to follow this humble trail of mine. God bless you more ate! ;)
Hi Sir Dave. This article touch my heart.i can relate because of the lost of my sister. Yeah it was dark and sad.Life has to move on lets take it one step at a time with God in our hearts... JB C. :) Godbless
ReplyDeleteJB:
DeleteI feel you. Our weapon against pain is indeed God in our hearts. Thats the benefit of being his child. Its easier. And lighter.
We are praying for your family.
Please dont call me sir,
Dab
Hi Dave,reading this post reminded me the feeling of losing someone dear...even though a long time has elapsed since my father died there are still times I truly miss him...wherever your tatay now I am sure he is proud of you...God bless you more!
ReplyDeleteAte Cheryl
Hi Ate Cheryl:
DeleteThank you so much for dropping by. Yup, I know you can relate too. It feels so different living without a father, but as the song goes: HE is the father to the fatherless, comforter to the lonely, and the lifter of our heads.
God bless you more Ate.
Dab
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you lost. My mother died when I was first married and I still miss her after all this time. Every time we have something special going on in our life I wish she were here. I miss just times I like to sit and talk to her. I miss that she never got to meet my youngest daughter or that her time with Ashley was so short. But with all that her memory stays alive in all the things we do remember about her. I love to talk about her and laugh at all those great memories I have of her. You too can keep your dad with you in your memories of him. I love how you keep your mom close and look after her. Although I have never met you in person I feel I know Zil and all of you. I believe that God brought us all together and I love you dearly. God bless you in all you do.
Ate Linda
Dear Ate Linda:
DeleteIts so great to receive a comment from America, and you learning to use "Ate" is awesome! Thank you for dropping by. I can feel your story. That's why after bidding farewell to my father (Tatay), I made a pact to myself to really keep my mother (Nanay) close and look after her. And God willing, travel more with her. Who knows? Zillah and I will just come there and knock on your door? How'd you like that? hahaha!
Hope we can explore the trails of United States,someday... :)
God bless you more,
Dave
I would love to have you come visit here. We too have lots to see and learn. Zil called me Ate a long time ago and told me what it means. When you come here (speak things as though they are) bring everyone!!! Much love to you.
DeleteSure then, God willing, we will kiss hello to Louisiana. What are the beautiful spots there in your local city Ate Linda? :)
DeleteI just lost my dad last january 24 and my mom last 2010. I hope, i can be as strong as you are. Wish i could find my way back to sanity.
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for dropping by, most especially thank you for sharing your heart. I know how you feel. Somehow, there are no words that can comfort a bereaved person. Sometimes, presence, all we need are the presence of the people close to us. If you still have siblings with you, let them hold your hands. Be with your closest true friends, let them embrace you. And most importantly, you can cry, thats fine, cry to God and pour out your heart. He is the father to the fatherless, comforter to the lonely, the lifter of your head. Sometimes we may not understand His plan for us, but in His time, He will let us understand. Along the way, take in the process of healing. It is my prayer, that God will embrace you daily with His comfort.
DeleteI would like to know your name,
Dave
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteI have also gone through the same situation, with my dad, mom and sister. Although every experience is unique, I can imagine that these are times of gloom for you. Hang in there, God knows that you are stronger than you think you are. Have the resolve that this will not be the hurt that will destroy you.
I feel that you are a person who was fiercely loved by your parents, as have I. Lao Tzu said, and I know that this is true because I live this, that "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." You have two people who deeply loved you, that makes you twice as formidable.
It will never be okay that they are gone, but I promise you, it will get better in time. For now, just remember that strength is something we choose to have in times of crisis.
My prayers are with you.
Hello kuya dave, Jason here. :) We all saw how you and your family remained strong amidst that storm in your lives and we give you a tap on the back for that.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, great blog.
Hi Jason,
DeleteThanks for dropping by. Same with you, Im blessed how your family survived after 'that' trial that you faced. Keep up the faith and lets keep the ministry rolling ;)
As to travel, that would be a good gift for your prarents, while you still have the time and chance to treat them. I hope someday, you will start your trail, with your parents along the way, who knows? :)
God bless your career,
Kuya Dab ^_^
Thank you for sharing your life through your blogs. It is worth reading .
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you so much for sparing time to read my blog. You guys there motivate me to continue sharing pieces of me through my travels and its impact on me. Thank you!
DeleteKeep your trails going,
Dave ^_^