The night AJ ‘visited’ his mom
Almost five years ago (April 16 to be exact), Kapamilya actor AJ Perez died in a car accident on the way back from Dagupan City where he attended the Kapamilya Karavan at the Bangus
Festival. He was only 18…so young, so promising, so handsome, so much ahead of him. One precious life wasted. Gone too soon.
Up to now, AJ’s parents Gerry Perez and Ma. Victoria Sarte, haven’t totally come to terms with that tragedy that took one of their two children. Any parent would feel the same.
Part of Marivic’s grieving process is co-authoring a book, titled A Summer of Hope, The Legacy of AJ Perez, with Zenaida Roy Almario, published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and to be launched, appropriately enough, in April, the month AJ died. Foreword is by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, with inspiring testimonials from AJ’s family, friends, colleagues and fans.
I was among the lucky few who have read the manuscript. In one chapter that moved me to tears, Marivic narrates how AJ “visited” her one night. I am printing Marivic’s story with her and husband Gerry’s permission:
On December 29, 2012, in the wee hours, around three o’clock in the morning, I suddenly woke up and could not go back to sleep. Like a security camera, naturally, my eyes slowly scanned the dimly-lit room. I then noticed a shadowy movement on the left side of the wall. Our room was not totally dark since we had a night lamp on. I had this deep consuming sense of sadness and was thinking of AJ. I looked at Gerry; I thought perhaps he was also awake in hopes of finding comfort in his eyes and smile. But he was in deep sleep.
After a few seconds, I noticed some very bright lights on my left side. They were “crystal-like lights,” sparkling very brightly! I was taken aback, but not scared. I blinked three times and the very radiant lights were still there, right in front of me as I turned towards them, dancing against the wall. I happily smiled and at the same time, not allowing the welling of my tears to obstruct the beauty of the illuminating sight, for I knew it was AJ’s spirit.
AJ knew that I was terribly missing him and he came to comfort me. I have read from various sources that the spiritual symbolism of “crytstal-like-- lights” represent the spirit and intellect of the soul, as the light of the spirit. I’ve also read on Page 10 of the book 101
Amazing Things About Heaven by Robin Schmidt, that the Bible says, “The city of heaven glistens like a jewel and shines brilliantly, a never-ending light
of eternity, reflecting the glory of the Creator.”
I was elated upon reading this; it was another confirmation of experiencing the magical and creative way of AJ’s presence. I felt very grateful to the Lord that I received this rare and immeasurable blessing to experience a very beautiful moment with my dear AJ. AJ had given me a sneak peek on what Heaven looks like.
The book is a must-buy and I urge you to get a copy as soon as it is launched. The chapter quoted above contains only one of the interesting revelations all of which those (this one included) who have lost a loved one can easily relate to. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I cried and cried as I read the manuscript. I’m sure you will, too.
By the way, AJ’s photos accompanying this story were taken during the Bangus Festival just hours before the van AJ and companions (including Dad Gerry) were riding collided with a bus when the driver tried to overtake a truck. AJ was seated on a reclined seat on the left side of the van, with his head against the window. He was dead on arrival at a hospital nearby. The rest of the passengers survived.
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com.)