My Journey to Widowhood (Part 4 of 8)

My daughter at that time has a boyfriend, hence she blurted, “Now that Dad and I could talk as equal, he is gone. Who will bring me to the altar during my wedding? The first phrase is said because, as a young professional, my husband and my daughter can now talk of grown up topics which made Riza feel good with her authoritarian father.

From that time on until burial, I have not seen so much grief etched on the face as was seen on my children’s faces which were captured by the pictures. Now I have the whole family together in our grief.

The families of both sides, relatives and friends were shocked simply because he was never sick. Their guess of who died were all somebody else. The wake was extended for another day in Mati at the request of the employees.

On the third day, the plane flew the body to the city. My grief again became lighter to see not only relatives and co-employees but my friends of the cause-oriented organizations to which I belonged at the airport too to provide me company. This solace has converted several persons to be more friendly and supportive after their own bereavement. (to be continued) ((Ma. Iris Melliza))