Remembrances: Tender Moments At DeStefano

THE LIGHTED CANDLES. Photo: Li ERON

I lost my mother in 1996 when I was working overseas and because she was very closed to me, her passing was immensed. The feelings of sadness came like painful episodes. In those times, I called trusted friends and cried a lot on the phone.

The loss of someone very dear, like Ate Connie's loss, her husband, is tremendous. The pain will never leave, no matter how distant that time was, but not so distant as a couple of months. Experience taught us many things in life so those people who are reaching out to stand by them when they needed friends...You will never failed them.

The Pianist. Photo: Li ERON

So early this evening, despite being down the weather, I and my roommate joined Ate Connie, whose friendship began with our Simbang Gabi, in memory of her husband, Kuya Ed at De Stefano Chapel where they honour those they served.

With Ate Connie

People drift in at the Chapel beautifully decorated to fit the occasion. The atmosphere was subdued and a pianist played melancholic songs. We were ahead of Ate Connie and were ushered inside the chapel. As the service began, pictures of loved ones were played on the screen. De Stefano Staff read verses and poems and some comforting narratives for all of us attending.

Then came the most poignant moment when all of us were asked to light a candle. One by one we came to the front and bury the lighted candle in a steel container filled with grains of sand. I knew that such moment touches all of us in the room. Ate Connie was overwhelmed with emotions and clasped our hands thanking us for joining her. I knew this was important to her. We shared her loss and we were thankful of her invitation and witness such beautiful service De Stefano has given them.

At the reception.

These are the things we need not devoid our friends who needed us when things are tough for them. We are blessed to know Kuya Ed and Ate Connie through Simbang Gabi. Now Ate Connie will celebrate a milestone at this years Simbang Gabi on December 22nd. By then I will write another narrative of this wonderful woman who stands strong amidst immeasurable loss.

After all, we must be like candles in the dark. We all are....

The video "Tonight I Hold This Candle" (below) was the song played by the pianist as we lighted the candle. Hear the lyrics because this song was written in his own loss.