Goodbye, Tito Dad

Tito Dad passed away this afternoon, losing his battle with a stroke that left him in a coma for 3 days.

My heart just sank upon hearing the news.

Papa was admitted into the hospital last Wednesday, and before I left for Manila last Friday, I went to visit him at the hospital and Tito Dad was there. Having a flight to catch, I bid everybody goodbye, and kissed them on the cheeks, including his.

On Sunday, I was asking how was Papa recovering, but got the bad news instead. Tito Dad looked perfectly fine that day, having lunch and reading the newspaper in the ward. His stroke came so sudden, that I think everybody in the family couldn't believe it as well.

I was worried about Tita Vic as well. She just had a heart surgery in February, I was so afraid she might not be able to cope.

Perhaps, it was time for him to go, but I never like seeing people go, so suddenly, just like that.

I don't know if this is a mere coincidence, Lolo Samuel passed away last year, the day after I saw him in the Mondia's house and after I left Bago City. Is it a consolation that I was able to see them before their passing, or should I wish that I was never there?

Maybe I shouldn't even be thinking about that.

Tito Dad and Tita Vic live just across the Matti's house. If I wake up early enough to sit with Papa outside the house, or if I return early before dinner, Tito Dad would always be around, chatting with Papa. He was always so welcoming, and just like Papa, he would ask if I have eaten, where have I been to, where would I be going.

Now, I won't get to ask him back the same questions, but I know the answer, because he is already in a place with no sufferings and no agony.

My condolences to the Yulo and Matti family.

Goodbye Tito Dad.