Since visiting my uncle at the hospital and seeing his worsening condition more than a week ago, I have been researching about how to help my uncle review his life to make him know that he has lived a meaningful life. I was almost ready to start mocking up a list of questions to ask my uncle next week when my dad called me. The doctor told my aunt to call up all close relatives and friends and to prepare for the worst.
I immediately packed up my stuff at the studio and met up my dad and sister and together we headed to the hospital. When we arrived, my uncle was already on respirator, voiceless and struggling to breathe. His eyes were half open and seemingly non-blinking and unfocused. We took turns to talk to my uncle, but there weren’t any noticeable response. When it was my turn, I didn’t know what to say other than calling my uncle’s name and telling him who I am, I tried getting really close to his breathing mouth to hear if he was trying to say anything, heard nothing. When it was my sister’s turn, I asked my aunt to hold my uncle’s hand to pray while my sister prayed that my uncle would have faith and peace. I silently prayed as well.
My dad, my sister and I had dinner at the hospital cafeteria while my aunt and three cousins stayed with my uncle. We went back to see my uncle after dinner. My dad and sister left in after about half an hour, but I insisted on staying because I didn’t know if I would ever see my uncle again.
I knew there was nothing I can do to help even if I stayed, I stayed anyway. I stayed until my uncle’s last breath, until his life signals extinguished, until the doctor certified his death at 10:3xpm. And not until after we escorted our uncle to the mortuary did we leave the hospital. I urged my aunt to stay strong and to call my dad if there’s anything we can help. I also asked my cousins to take good care of my aunt before parting them goodbye.
“Oh Lord, please be merciful to my uncle’s soul. Please comfort my aunt and 3 cousins. May Your grace and mercy be poured upon their family, giving them hope that they’ll reunite with my uncle in heaven someday.” ??
