Keith as a classmate

At your wake, a lot of people came to see you. Most of them I have never even seen before. They all had beautiful things to say about you. Some of them knew you because of what other people have told them, mainly their sons, daughters and grandchildren. The goodness of your heart reached even those whom our family didn't know. From grade school to high school (even those from other schools), they all knew you. And there's one thing to prove that you were indeed that special child.

Your friend Frederick, being the president of your class gave his eulogy and it was one of the best eulogies I have heard. That moment is very clear in my head but I'd rather not say anything today as I am sure it will start me off. But here's what Frederick had to say:

PAALAM KEITH, PAALAM KAIBIGAN...

"Limang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang makilala kita. Isang batang tahimik, maamo ang mukha, matalino, magaling magdrawing at mabait. Mga katangian na hinahangaan ng karamihan at ipinagmamalaki ng iyong mga magulang. Napakaswerte nila dahil nagkaroon sila ng isang anak na tulad mo.

Bakit ikaw pa? Mahirap isipin at tanggapin na hindi ka na namin makakasama. Hindi na tayo kumpleto dahil parte ka ng bawat saya, lungkot at tagumpay ng ating klase. Ikaw ang isa sa nagbigay ng halimbawa sa salitang katahimikan at kabaitan. Sana sa iyong pag-alis maipamahagi mo ito at matutunan ito ng bawat isa sa amin. Ikaw na ang anghel namin sa langit na magpapaalala at gagabay sa amin. Sa bawat pagsubok na aming haharapin aming tatandaan ang lagi mong sinasabi "KAYA KO PO, AKO PA!". Ikaw ang aming magiging inspirasyon upang makaya naming abutin ang aming mga pangarap.

Salamat Keith...salamat sa mga alaalang iiwan mo sa amin. Mawala ka man ngayon sa piling namin, hindi ka mawawala sa aming puso kailanman dahil bahagi ka ng aming buhay. Mahal na mahal ka namin.

Paalam, Keith...paalam kaibigan..."

(Goodbye Keith... Goodbye my friend...

It's been five years since I've met you. A child who was very quiet, gentle face, intelligent, good at drawing and kind. Traits that a lot of people admire and your parents are proud of. They are very lucky that they had a son like you.

Why you? It's hard to think and accept that you're no longer with us. We are now incomplete because you have been a part of our class's every happiness, loneliness and success. You were one of those who gave us the example of quietness and kindness. I hope when you leave you'll be able to share this and for each one of us to learn from it. You are now our angel in heaven who will remind us and will guide us. In every challenge that we face, we will remember what you have always said, "I can do it". You will be our inspiration for us to reach our dreams.

Thank you Keith...Thank you for all the memories you've left behind. You may be gone but you'll never leave our hearts because you are a part of our lives. We love you very much.

Goodbye Keith...Goodbye my friend..."

I love you anak. You have made us all so proud. We miss you.

Mommy Tintin