The year was maybe 2002 or 2003- I was in high school. I was hanging out at Chaiz Cafe with my then- boyfriend and a few friends when a chinita girl my age approached me and asked: "Hi, did you go to Sun Yat Sen before?" (Sun Yat Sen High School is well, obviously a Chinese school that catered to preschool, elementary and high school. I went there for my preschool education.) I told her yes and she asked me if I recognize her friends since they still go to that school and I politely said no that I only went there for preschool. She then smiled and her eyes sparkled as she did. She then said "nice meeting you" and I said the same thing. That time on, I remembered her. We used to have a picture together, I think before or after our school performance that time. She was the chinita girl who had short black hair with full bangs and always wore a headband. Her name is Lenny Ann Celiz. Since then, whenever we see each other, we both made it a point to greet each other.
Forward to year 2011
I forgot when I joined facebook but since I joined, my former classmates, relatives abroad, and even friends abroad have been communicating with me and it's a great way to keep in touch. Lenny and I have been communicating through facebook and even got each other's numbers although we'd rarely really text. Facebook has always been either a bearer of good news or bad news. I never thought I'd receive one through it two Mondays ago, May 30, 2011. I saw a friend of mine comment on Lenny's facebook a sad-faced emoticon. I wanted to know what happened because Lenny ha s always been a bubbly and cheery person. When I checked her profile, I saw everything. I was getting really cold, I was trembling and I was almost about to cry. I ran to my mom and told her the news. We were both shocked. I immediately asked my friend what happened to Lenny. Although it would've been a bad joke, I hoped it was just a joke. I didn't have the details of her death but I immediately asked where the wake was, etc. I didn't know what to do or think. It was surreal. I said to myself "No, she can't be! She just turned 24! She's healthy. She even had a trip with her boyfriend to Boracay before he left the country for work." I was in denial. I was heartbroken. We weren't really close but she's a friend and it hurts to lose a friend forever. That night I cried so hard before going to sleep. I wanted to ask God "Why so soon?" but I know I don't have the right to ask that because whatever that has happened, it's His will. I know our lives are just God's gifts and it can be taken back. I just resolved to praying for her eternal rest and peace, as well as for her family and loved ones to stay strong. I went to her wake one time with my sister and I was able to held back the tears but I cried a little after talking to one of her sisters. My sister and I stayed there for about an hour I think before heading home.
I never usually wake up very early unless I have an appointment. This morning, is Lenny's wake. I woke up early but I had a sluggish morning, plus it was raining. I went to the wake with my mom who wasn't able to visit during the wake. I saw my former classmates from preschool and it was a very bittersweet reunion. It was a really sad day, close to depressing. The image of her dad looking over and kissing her coffin is still very vivid in my head. Add to that, her boyfriend was really crying so much, I felt like he was about to faint from all the crying. I was good with holding back my tears but when I saw her father looking over and kissing her coffin, I gave in. I cried. It was still painful- the pain is still fresh. Her boyfriend was really sweet. When it was his turn to view Lenny for the last time, he said "I love you so much!" even though his voice was already breaking. Before Lenny was finally laid to rest, he would touch the glass of the coffin, as if touching her face. My mom and I saw him hold Lenny's yearbook photo and hugging it. Although it was very sad, it was still filled with so much love.
P.S.
I didn't want to make this entry without our photo from preschool but I've searched our 2 houses and couldn't find it. My mom told me maybe it got lost in the flood, June of '08.
Few pics from the burial (taken with my phone):
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| Mom and I |
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| Grave site, this is where the mass was also held |
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| Her classmates from college with balloons |
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| Lenny Ann Celiz (photo from her Facebook) |
Lenny, I know you've gone home to our Creator and I know you're happy. I hope you know how much your family, friends, and loved ones love you. Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for being the first one to reach out to me way back in high school. We'll definitely miss you. ♥ ♥ ♥
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