A STORY IN THE EYES OF ANOTHER

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Therese Romaine Nalangan Rustia
IV-Michael Faraday


Everyday, many people are dying. Some die because of murder, some because of diseases while some because of other reasons. I have always wondered why the innocent have to die and the people who spread evil have to live. But as I grew up, I realized that it is not in our hands to decide who will live and who will die. It is all in God’s supreme power. Everything has a reason. Every laugh, every joy, every pain and every tear has its own time. All you have to do is trust God and believe everything will be all right.

I remember a time when I asked my mom many questions about death. I was about five years old and I was afraid of death itself. “When I die, would I still look the same? Would I still look like a little girl? What if I die old? Will I look old? Will I ever see you in heaven? What would you like then?” After all those questions, I started to cry. Not knowing why, I just did and my mom hugged me tight.
“Don’t think about those things. It will be a long time before that happens,” she whispered.

Although some of my relatives are now in heaven, I have accepted the concept of death. But this story isn’t about me. It’s about another. But what I saw through my eyes made me understand more of what is life all about.

I remember the day that I found out that Derek’s father died. A friend of mine informed me about the incident. After a few days, my friends and I decided to visit the wake. We found out that his father was only 35 years old when he died of heart attack. We went inside and approached the coffin where his father lay. As I looked at him, I saw Derek’s features in him. They looked so much alike. The only difference is that his son was very much alive.

There were many people inside. They were relatives and friends of their family. There were also friends of Derek’s brother who came and gave their condolences. People were bustling in and out, drinking coffee, eating food, chatting. We met his mom who was smiling and thanking us for coming. It was unlike any other wake that I have attended before. People weren’t crying, they all looked fine.

Amidst the tragedy that has happened in their life, they were still able to laugh and crack jokes. They even entertained us and gave us food. I knew they were in deep pain, but they couldn’t change the inevitable.

“How could they be so happy at a time like this?” I asked myself. And then I knew. They wanted to remain strong because they only have one another to depend on. They also have their complete trust to the Lord. Knowing that their father was now with our Creator, they have the peace within themselves. They thought that this was not the time to cry, but a time to be thankful not because you lost someone dear to you but because you know that he is with the Heavenly Father.

Death is not always goodbye. It does not really separate people. It is only a natural cycle of life that must be accepted. The real importance is what this person has imprinted on your life. What he left will always be treasured. And with his memory living in your heart, he lives on.

I really admired the strength of their family. With their strength, it helped me perceive death unlike others have.