“Sometimes, the Lord just takes blessed people
because they've filled their purpose early. Everyone plays their own song. They
sing their story to the world and leave behind a melody of memories.
Sometimes... their song is cut short and ends too early. But that doesn't mean
their music was any less sweet or that they left any less of an impression.”
Today marks an important event in the lives of every
Taclobanon, we are commemorating the 40th day of mourning for all those who perished in the world’s strongest typhoon, Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan). In our own dialect, we call it "pakwarenta" or “patapos” meaning, the end of mourning
for our dear departed loved ones.
On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) robbed us of
our houses, businesses and work. But most of all, it robbed us of the lives of
loved ones and friends. On that fateful day, an estimated 6,000 people died
from the surge, injuring a lot and some 1,000 more people missing. We will
never forget that day.
Earlier today, people in Tacloban simultaneously lit candles from San Jose Airport to Anibong. We prayed for the eternal repose of our friends and loved-ones who did not escape the wrath of Yolanda (Haiyan).
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| Jeanberly Ross Macato, you are deeply missed. Photo taken during her bridal shower. |
I myself lost some dear friends and I would like to honor
them here in this blog. I pray for the eternal repose of their souls and the
only consolation we have is the thought that they are in a happier place.
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| My sister's friends, the Sustento couple, here doing a traditional tattoo during Inktrada 3. Their son little Tarin Sustento is still missing. There is an ongoing social media search campaign for the whereabouts of the missing boy. |
And now, forty days after that, we still hurt over what
happened, but we have accepted that none of them who perished will be coming
back to celebrate Christmas with us. We all have to move on, so that we can
rebuild the city, the places that we call home.
Our prayer.
De Profundis
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption;
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Father God, we pray for the eternal repose of all those whom You have called during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda. Have mercy on them and forgive them all their sins. Let your perpetual light shine on them . Comfort all those they have left behind, and strengthen their faith in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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