05 February 2012 - We woke up very early after only a few hours sleep the night before because your "send off" was at midday. Inang was at your bedside already crying, asking you to forgive her for scolding you at times. She said it was because she loved you that's why she didn't want you to do naughty things. She kept saying that she would miss pressing your chunky legs. It was so heartbreaking seeing her cry. I'm sure it was an awful feeling to bury your grandchild. One by one, we went to tell you our last words. I was cuddling Meowmeow because that's the only I could think of getting closer to you. I couldn't say anything. I just wished you'd never left.
The first few hours in the morning seemed long. Still, a lot of people came to see you until it was time to get ready because the people have arrived to pick you up. Inang and the rest of the oldies wanted you to have a band, but Papa, Mama and I disagreed because we knew that you wouldn't have liked that. You hated loud noise. So we decided to play your favourite song "Lighters" instead. Of course we edited it so as not to play the swear words. Instantly, the song became so famous that everyone, from children to adults were singing along as we walked you to church. You were in a horse-drawn carriage which was beautiful. We wanted to give you the best as we would have if you were only given another chance to spend more time with us. Your friends from the Knights of the Altar escorted you. All of your family and friends wore white. The number of people who turned up at your "send off" was overwhelming. I never thought that you were that known to people. There were of course a lot of children. I was so proud of you that you made such an impact on people.
When we arrived at the church, Ate Glory was playing the violin. There were already people at the church. Tito Roman coordinated everything and I was so happy with how they managed to arrange such a beautiful service. What they did was what they call a " Christian burial", just like what the famous President Aquino had. It was very solemn.
Ate Glory played the violin for a few minutes before the mass started. And then there was a small program where a few people, (including me) gave their eulogy. I am not entirely sure of the order, but I think your friend F gave his eulogy first, followed by Sir J and a representative from your student council. Tito Roman did the first reading which was very heart-warming and comforting. I have totally forgotten what was it all about, but it was kind of telling us that God has taken you because someone like you who is pure shouldn't be stained or something like that. And then I gave them my eulogy. I tried not to cry but I was already crying even before I got in front. I was never a good speaker, but for some reason when I was standing in front of so many people (the church was full), telling them all about you, I was very confident and eloquent- for once. I could almost hear you telling me, "Kaya mo po yan, Ikaw pa". It was so overwhelming seeing people cry when I cried, and laugh when I laughed. I was standing there as the proudest Mommy, for having the best child anyone could ever hoped for.
Your friends, and even Sister E then sung "Lighters" for you. At times we almost couldn't understand what they were singing because they were obviously crying. The choir also sang along with them, even the crowd. And while they were singing, your photos were being projected in front.
After the service was the offering of flowers. People queued to offer flowers for you and perhaps also to see you for the last time. We were all sat in front and as people passed by they expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences to each of us. Still, Ate Glory played the violin and then the choir sung a few songs until everyone has offered their flowers.
And then it was time to walked you to your eternal resting place. It was and still is the most painful walk I have taken in my life. Your song was playing all along and the more I listened to the song, the closer I felt of losing you forever. There was a part of the song that really indicates that we were getting closer to your resting place. I think it is the chorus before "Royce Da 5'9". Even Ading Cxyrelle said that actually. It is the beat of the drum (if ever there is) I think.
When we got to your resting place, everyone started crying again, Inang and Mama being the loudest. Inang wanted to touch you for the last time, but they didn't allow her. Apart from the day I found out that you were gone, this was the most painful of all. I knew from that moment that I would never see you again. There, we have lost our beautiful Keith forever.
I can't believe that it has now been a year since we bid farewell to you anak. Time has flown so fast. But this doesn't mean that we will forget you, for we never will. You will always be in our hearts and we will be thinking about you everyday of our lives. We love you so very much as we have loved you all your life. Nothing will ever ever change, only that you are no longer here.
Mommy Tintin
