I had a very busy day last Friday, Jan. 30, and practically out of the house the whole day.  When I arrived in the afternoon and checked my YM, there are several offline buzzes from Len-Len Libante, one of my barkadas.  As I was replying to her, I’ve received a call from Samuel.  He told me to check if the text message he received is confirmed re another barkada, Jeannette, that something bad happened to her.  I was really shocked and could not think of anyone to confirm the message since Pot is out of the country at that time.  As I was saying my silent prayer for Jeannette, I tried to contact Mhelo,  and she confirmed that our friend passed away but the reason is still not clear since they haven’t talked with any of her (Jennette’s) family members yet.  With this, I couldn’t hold my emotions any longer and Mhelo and I were both crying over the phone remembering our friend.  We decided to meet at the church before we go to Jennette’s house for the wake. 

When we arrived at their place, it was already teeming with people.  We were met by Nanay and Tatay Darang, both of whom I noticed seemed very tired, haggard and with bloodshot, puffy eyes.  We then went inside the house where she is being lain in a white coffin.  I prepared myself for this moment, but still no amount of preparation is enough to see a loved one in this situation.  We just couldn’t believe it… Until we saw her lying inside.  And it was the time that it finally sink in that she’s no longer with us anymore.  We will not be seeing her big, beautiful eyes which was one of her trademark, the other one is being an ‘Indian’ most of the time; we will not be  able to witness her endless bickerings with the boys.  She’s the only one who can compete with them in the ‘asaran’ department and the boys just couldn’t keep up with her.

The other barkadas who were not in Manila were also informed about this sad news and they have the same reaction, they just couldn’t believe it.  Because she’s too young for this, and to think she still have 2 sons to take care of,  our hearts really were with them to be motherless at a very young age.  Our prayers are with them, as well to Jupiter her husband, and Nanay and Tatay Darang.

Jeannette was finally laid to rest last February 6.  Her temporary journey ended, and she’s now sleeping, waiting to be reunited once again with her loved one on the next coming of our Lord Jesus.

To Jeannette, thank you for sharing with us a part of you.  We’re very thankful for letting us know you and be one of your barkadas.  Eventhough we were not able to play word factory during your wake, the next time we have that opportunity, the first game will be for you.