TEARS IN HEAVEN

AIDA V. DELA TORRE

Learning is not only on the four corners of the room.

Cliché as it may sound, but as the line of the song goes – “Did you know my name, if I saw you in heaven… ”

Friendly. Generous. Jolly.

Three words which will describe Chito Pabalan.

First Word.

Every person in the neighbourhood knew him so well. Whenever he passed by, he raised his hand and consequently wore a smile. Indeed, true friends are hard to find especially nowadays and I’m certainly glad, I found one. How? he happened to be the husband of MA’am Joys, my best friend. I call him – “Koya ko”. It all started when I went to my best friend’s house or should I say “home”, because every time I go to the place. I feel I belong. More so, the moment I was about to get out the car, he would offer a bottle of coke. He would share happy stories which will surely make me smile. Who would ever forget those expressive eyes? Guess what? A proof of his being friendly was realized on that BIG night. A person surprisingly would cry and say – “Kaluguran kepu… metung ku pung caller.”Days after, people in and out of the village walked with him… Thus, even tough men cried a thousand tears.

Second Word.

Koyang Chito has a big heart. He was alwys ready to give even to the last piece. I was a witness to this. He unselfishly shared his gift of person to anybody who needs it. I can clearly recall how he fixed the bumper of my car, not to be forgotten of course would be the side mirrors. More so, it was only last year when he willingly went to Sta. Rita Public Market where my shop, “indahauz” is located. Yes, he coverted “indahauz” into a “in the home.’He painted the wall, fixed the cabinets and tiled the floor. He even put the lights on , metaphorically speaking. While the “indahauz” is alive, he will never be forgotten.

Last word.

His eyes reflect the personality . He will always smile at you and befriend you. With his music, his day would be perfect.

April 21,2019 marked a very tragic day. The family mourned.”Kamusta ya kaya I Atchi ku,”I uttered when I heard the news. I can testify how the couple genuinely love and care for each other. Just like the any ordinay couple, they argue, but still, they care..The simple gestures that I have witnessed between them inspire me because I knew I became a part of their family. I came the next day. He was so handsome in his “barong tagalong .’Only the when I realized that he was wearing the barong tagalong which I gave him.I was broken because I lost a friend. He was a “kuya”, a big brother to me. “Ang daya mo, Koya ko.”Two days before he died, he told me- “WAli ko, eka migaganaka, pinturan tane bale mu.” You broke a prosi “Koya Ko!”

On the day of March 26, everybody seemed to be floating in mid-air. This was his last day. Boys and girls, young and adults were in tremendous nostalgia. It was really painful to accept that we will not be seeing him anymore. I was “no exemption”. In fact, I can’t help but cry while writing this piece. “Koya ko , paynawa na ka.”

If only I could send these “tears in heaven .”

Learning lies on the fact that life is too short… Like kuya Chito, he was able to give the best of him while he was alive.

Rest in peace.

The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High school