Losing a Good Friend

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose;
All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.
Helen Keller

At around 5 am yesterday, I felt my cellphone vibrate in my pocket. It was a text message informing me that a very close friend of mine just passed away. I was about to start my daily routine at work at that time, but I can no longer concentrate taking calls and my voice was cracking.

He was 25 years old, a well-accomplished lad at a young age, a cum laude of our batch. A dreaded disease and severe depression took him away. He was recently diagnosed with meningitis but he has been going in and out of the hospital for almost a year now due to other complications. The last time that we hang out, together with our two dear friends, was last May, the day of my birthday.

After work, I headed straight to the wake. The two-hour trip felt like forever. When I saw the smiling picture of his face on the tarpaulin outside the memorial, it brought tears to my eyes. He was such a good friend to me. One of the few people who were always there for me in my lowest point. He would always motivate me to become a better person in my career and personal life.

He was one of the most, selfless people I know. He puts others first before him. His family and the people close to him are very lucky. In those almost 9 years, that I have known him, he seems to be unhappy with a lot of things. He did not have it easy growing up, hence he strove to succeed in life. He was getting there... and he could have done a lot more. He has so much to offer. But for sure, he's in a better place right now. A place where he can have utmost peace, where there's no more suffering, where it's his time to be rewarded for all the good deeds he has done.

I love you my dearest friend. Til we meet again.