"Yes...Tomorrow Might Be Too Late"

"Yes...Tomorrow Might Be Too Late"

Br. Shaun Aliño, SSS

It was in the afternoon of the third of August, seven years ago (2003) when I rushed as quickly as I could towards the emergency room of Cebu Doctors Hospital. When I heard the names of very familiar doctors being called to proceed to the ER, my heart pounded faster and more intensely, and I became more and more disturbed like a restless sea. As I went near the door of the ER, I saw a frail body slowly exposed to my sight , as the crowd of doctors flew into oblivion. Trembling in fear and in total disbelief, I approached the body slowly and gently, but it dawned on me that even from a distance I could recognize undeniably the sweetest most familiar face I’ve ever known in my life. My heart was broken into pieces – I burst into tears sobbing like a helpless little boy as I embraced my mom so tightly like I never did before! Yes , she's gone... she has passed away…and I never even had the chance to tell her how much I love her or even to say good bye Mama! It felt like there was a dagger pierced in my heart. How could I ever miss saying I love you to this woman who gave me the very voice of utterance? How could I keep it to myself when my voice was like music to her ears?

Death indeed comes to us like a thief in the night. The untimely death of my mom was excruciatingly painful for I have missed the many opportunities to express my deep love and affection for her. Often times in the past I took for granted the feelings of people so close and intimate to me. I could hardly remember expressing to them in words how much I love and care for them. I presumed too much that since they know me too well, they too could read my heart. But I have realized that the gift of voice is meant to be heard.

I was wrong in presuming that they could read the voices silently lurking in my heart. I know too that the intention of letting them feel and hear how much they mean to me mattered the most. If words of gratitude could inspire other people, how much more can words of love do when conveyed to people dearest to us!

As the years came to pass, I have thought that no amount of tears could bring my mom back to life. In reality life is so short and things of the heart remain veiled until they are expressed. Let us therefore, cherish every moment with our loved ones and “SEIZE THE MOMENT” as Evelyn Payton in the World champoinship of Public Speaking of the Toastmaster's International put it. Let us continue to express our love in words, works and deeds. These will surely touch the lives of many - for life is simply too short, and yes..

.TOMORROW MIGHT just BE TOO LATE!