Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Para kay Therene

I didn't know her until I heard of the tragic news of her passing.

She is
Therene Timbang, PSHS Class of 2009. She was just 15, a few months away from graduation, a few days away from a warm Christmas celebration with her family.

Fifteen and full of life, full of hope, full of dreams - just like any other child should be.

Then, all in the blink of an eye...no more.

Everytime someone this young is taken too soon, it bothers me. It saddens me to think of all the things that could've been but will never be.

But just like Gian's prayer this morning during the flag ceremony, let Tintin's/Timby's passing not have happened in vain. May all of us left behind learn something from this - at the very least, may we all realize the preciousness and fragility of life, and the importance and impact of each passing moment.

To Therene, may the angels guide you to the loving arms of God. Rest in peace.

- - - - -

To those who believe in prayer, let me share with you this novena that was shared by the family of a friend of mine who passed away last 2005:

Lord, help us to see death for what it really is,
the end of poverty, and the beginning of riches;
the end of frustration, and the beginning of fulfillment;
the end of weakness, and the beginning of strength.

Let not grief overwhelm us nor a sense of loss embitter us.
Out of our sadness, let there arise a new joy
for so much that has been given to us.
Cast out our fears and let not our hearts be troubled.
Let Your spirit of peace come alive within our experience
of hurt, sorrow and isolation,
of our sadness today, and our loneliness tomorrow.

We humbly commend to You Therene,
Whom You have called out of this mortal life.
You loved her always with great love.
Now that You have freed her from all pains of this earth
Bring her into Your paradise
Where there is no more grief, or mourning, or sadness,
But peace and joy with Your son and the Holy Spirit forever.

We thank You for all the blessings
You have given to Therene in her mortal life.
We pray that she may be able to glorify You
With the life that she lived
And by the way she made use of Your blessings.

Lord, may we never forget that life is short and uncertain.
Let Your spirit guide us in holiness, justice and service
To our brothers and sisters.

We pray for the healing of all unhappy feelings
Therene's death now leaves in our hearts.
Be with us, Lord, during our moments of sorrow and loneliness.
You are our rock, our fortress and our strength.
We trust in You and hope in your glorious resurrection.
We lift to you our grief and sorrow, confident that
You will change our mourning into rejoicing
That our beloved Therene now rests in your peace.

Amen.

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