The Tragic Loss of Jay

He was gone like a thief of the night; leaving his family in complete jeopardy. He said no goodbyes and left without warnings. In the silence of the blue sky, he joined the waves of the river. His soul sank in the strong current, wave after wave. He struggled to fulfill his dreams, but nature’s power is way greater than his. As might as he could he tried, until finally he succumbed to rest his weary soul. In a moment he thought of his family, of the beautiful memories, of his lost dream, of the love he received and given, of how he will be remembered. His tears under water, he cried for help, desperate for another chance. But he felt it was time; his time commenced. Who is he to question what is prepared for him in HIS eternal love? In a snap, the river consumed him until his body floated with the angels. He heard trumpets, saw dancing unicorns and felt the warm welcome.  He was now in another world—all whites, all pure, all peaceful.

On earth, though, he saw his body in a box. Everyone was in pain; his mother in the corner unable to speak with puffy red eyes. He could empathize for her beloved. He never understood how death can bring too much sadness to those he loves. He wanted to hug her for the last time. Here he is with his mother who raised him singly on her own. He walked towards her, touched her gently, his palms touching her back and drawing himself closer to her. He could smell her sweat, her distinctive odor full of tenderness. He gave her the longest, tightest hug ever. She must have felt it for she cried all the more, mourning and weeping. Was it his fault to leave prematurely? He was only 14, turning grade 8 this school year.

He is a good-looking boy, taller than most his age. He is a head-turner, drawing the attention of many girls. He is an academic achiever, landing on the top 6 spot of the class. He is sent to represent his school during district and division Math competition. There is no doubt, he got brains. His teacher profoundly described him as a smart, caring and respectful boy.

He was now gone. Leaving them to continue life as usual, which is ironic, for it no longer is. They will forever feel the emptiness for he left too soon. The emotional scar has been etched. Nothing remained except memories, nothing can be undone. Tragedy hits our life in many forms, to test our faith and strength. Life is fragile as it is. This accident was unintentional, blaming no one in the process. He was called by the Creator and is now resting in his warm arms. He, together with the angels his age, are playing in the abundant land God prepared for them. Patiently waiting as we join them in our journey towards death itself.

This is the story of a child who was drown in a river here in Tabuk, Kalinga. Although, I haven’t known him for the longest of time, I felt devastated. P.S: I have heard of many incidents of drowning in which most victims are in 9-18 age groups. This is becoming more widespread, so can our local government do something?