At Manila Memorial Park in Liloan, Cebu

The last time I was in this place was in 2004. The road to Manila Memorial Park Cemetery in Liloan, Cebu was long and dusty. I remember the heat, the exhaustion from lack of sleep, relatives I’ve never met before and wanting to go back home. Everyone around me grieved at the loss of someone they regarded so highly that made me blink more than twice. If you know my story, and the kind of life my family went through in the past, you’ll know why.

More than two weeks ago, I was back to the same spot, now more quiet and peaceful. Freshly cut grass covers the ground where withered flowers and candle-holder remain. Wounds have healed and I guess everyone has moved on.

Today marks my Dad’s 4th death anniversary.