As I write this post, I still do not know what will become of Raul, our dear friend in the States, who has been in a coma, brain dead, and fighting for dear life. A month after their family arrived in the States, happy to have Cynthia (Raul’s wife) start her new work assignment there, Raul had a major stroke (his second one — the first being here in the Philippines years ago).
Cynthia has managed to work, take care of their 2 sons, and still have to deal with day-to-day decisions and the up-and-down stressful events with Raul’s situation improving one day and deteriorating the next. But a few days ago, in an online chat, Cynthia told me that Raul’s recovery was nil and that their family had surrendered him to the Lord and had decided not to use artificial means to prolong his life.
Today, as a gesture of our love for this brother and sister in Christ, our district gathered for a Healing Mass, followed by a tradition which we call “honoring” (a time when friends take the moment to talk about what a person has meant to them, recount funny or memorable instances with this person, and thank the Lord for this person’s presence in one’s life). We had the chance to do this for Raul and Cynthia today. One after another, brothers and sisters came up to the mike to honor Raul for his steadfastness in serving God despite his disability from his first stroke. We also honored Cynthia for bearing the challenges in Manila (and now in the States) of caring for the person she vowed to love till the end.
Raul and Cynthia, whether they are aware of it or not, have been living testimonies of what marriage is all about. Their two young sons are witnesses to their parents’ struggles (financially, emotionally, physically) throughout Raul’s 2 strokes. Now, these young boys are facing the harsh reality that they may soon lose their father completely but Cynthia has been preparing them in such a beautiful manner. I am truly amazed at the inner strength of this woman of God.
Whatever the outcome of Raul’s condition, one thing is clear to me. Here is a beautiful couple who truly lived out their marriage vows to stand by each other in sickness and in health. Here is a wonderful mother gathering her 2 sons every night to pray and thank the Lord despite the looming loss of their loved one. They stand as models for many couples who, when faced with situations probably even less daunting than what Raul and Cynthia now face, look for the easy way out.
Raul and Cynthia, we truly miss you. But we will never forget you. You have touched our lives in ways you cannot imagine and you will always be a part of us from now on. Thank you for showing us what it truly means to live out your marriage vows. May our good Lord shower you with all the abundant graces and blessings as you face yet another crucial time in your lives.
This is such a touching post. It reminds me of what we went through last year when my Dad passed on. My Mom, all throughout his battle with cancer, never left his side. And I mean never. To the very end she was with him. And when it was time for my Dad to return to the Lord, she set him free with all her heart. That is why today she is free from all pain and hurt. She knows, in her heart, that she honored my Dad till his dying breath.
Jane: I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, Kongkong. I lost my Dad in 2001 very suddenly, without us being able to prepare for it. But what your Mom did for your Dad is just so beautiful. Your parents truly lived their vows out.
Oh, I just read this now. I encountered Cynthia from numerous training sessions. We were from the same company (different subsidiary), same circle of friends at the office. We’re not close but I have always admired Cynthia’s passion with her craft. My heart goes to her reading about her husband. My prayers are with her.
Jane: Lynn, what a small world! I will relay your prayers to Cynch in our next YM. Please continue praying as Raul is not doing well.