February last year, I went back to the Philippines to attend my father’s funeral. After almost 8 years living in the US, I came back home, but not to have a vacation, but to see him for the last time. It was heartbreaking and very painful. I still cry whenever I think about it, but it’s something I can’t do anything about and need to live with…

I have so many regrets for not going back early to see all of them, but money is tight. I’d rather send them money to give help because airplane tickets cost so much. But even if I’ve been helping my parents, I feel empty and lonely because of the fact that I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.

When he got a heart attack, he was alone. It was a sudden death, and no one was there for him. When they knocked on his door and he didn’t answer, they checked him and found him on his bed. Everyone was shocked and panicked! I can’t imagine the pain my family felt, and whenever I think about it, it makes me cry.

I told my sister that my dad mentioned when he was still alive that he wanted to be buried in his province in Bicol, Philippines. It was a place far away from Manila; it’s probably an 8 to 11-hour bus ride. She said she can’t bring him there because it’s going to cost so much with the transportation and funeral to be in the province. She and her husband decided to cremate dad’s body instead. And my mother brought my dad’s cremated ashes to her house.

I still want to help fulfill my dad’s last wish to be with his parents’ side in the cemetery in the province. I know time will come and I’m going to be able to do that with your help!

Thank you so much for listening and understanding!

God bless everyone ✝️