1970-2008

I would like to tell a story of a boy named John.

John was a cheerful and creative one. He never met his father. Not even once. However, her mother played both roles of being a mom and a dad and that's why John never asked the whereabouts of his father. Ana, his mother, never let John feel alone and sad. She made sure that her son is well-raised and happy. She spent enough time with him even if her schedule was hectic.

Ana was teaching Filipino subject to high school and college students while studying for her master's degree. On top of that, she's a mom, dad, and a friend to her children. She was an enthusiastic teacher, great author, and a loving mother. She strove hard to earn more savings for her child. She spent tons of hours in paper works, writing books, and editing thesis.

It seemed like Ana was overworking herself a little too much when she felt pangs of pain throughout her body. There were nights when she cried herself to sleep. There were times she shouted the pain away. She suffered alone at first because she kept everything a secret to her family especially to John.

Her friends and some co-teachers witnessed all of her sacrifices. And although they did not approve the secrecy, they helped Ana during those hard times. They supported, pacified, and helped her as she cries while reviewing for her exams. They were there when one day she couldn't walk to school. Students and teachers alike were shocked by what they saw. They were heartbroken. Ana was, too. It hurt her but little did she know, it will hurt John more.

Ana went home to her province where John lives with her grandparents and aunt. John curiosity grew as his mother and aunt goes to the city more often than before. One time, John asked if he could come with them but to no avail. He felt a little sadness and a growing curiosity. That question in his head were answered when they have to visit her mother in the hospital. All those secrets trip to the city was because she was visiting different doctors to check up on her. For a young heart to know all of these, it sure was overwhelming.

They come and go to hospitals because Ana's condition became worse as the time went by. There were things she couldn't do anymore. After days, months, and years of hard work, she never knew that she'll pay a price - A TERMINAL OVARIAN CANCER.

Despite this, Ana stayed strong and fought for her life for John's sake. But after months of agony, Ana's body surrendered. Her soul left her body in John's arms.

John started to question the person up there. Asking, "Why do you keep doing this to me? I even visit your home every Sunday. I never go to sleep without asking and begging you to make my mom healthy. Is there a way that I can take her place instead?"

He cried silently. He was unable to release the sadness, pain, and emptiness that he felt. He asked one last question, "if you really love me, why on earth do you keep on hurting and doing this to me?"

Then, John cried himself to sleep.