A New Normal | November 2011

[Staff Writer Dyan]

A New Normal
Have you ever lost a loved one? Share your tips for coping.
Flip to page 60 to read the full article.

[mwariella]

My mom died 3 months ago, as the eldest I must show to my siblings that I am strong enough to handle new responsibilities since my dad is working abroad. I must show to them that I can overcome my emotions. Mahirap mawalan ng mama and we all miss her but I must fight and look forward for my future and my family. I know that our mom is guiding and watching us in many ways.

[Ling.]

My granddad on my mom's side died three years ago. We weren't super close, but I've spent enough time around him to miss him just as much as mom did when he passed away. Crying during his funeral wasn't really expected from me, but when I saw mom turn the waterworks on, I can't help but cry as well. What's harder than seeing my granddaddy being buried six feet under the ground is seeing my mom have such a hard time because of it.

Almost everything in our lives went back to normal after a year of mourning though.

[oblivious2dobvious]

One of my best friends got into a vehicular accident and died 2 months ago. He just turned 19 years old when he passed away and I actually asked why does it have to be him. He was so cheerful and he makes everyone around him smile (like a happy pill). And I couldn't believe that I wouldn't see his smiling face ever again.

I was devastated! Even if I've known him since high school, he was one of the reason why I had a blast in high school. And I regretted not being able to hang out with him when we started going to college.

But because of his death, I was able to spend time and talk with several of my old friends (friends that I didn't even contact for quite some time because I'm 'too' busy). Because of him, I learn to give importance to all the relationships (friendship and such) I have. I learned that life is too short so I must value all the people I have in my life.