A Tribute to a Fellow Batch Mate

Only two days are left before Christmas. I have already done my shopping and yearly gift giving. I have even bought new clothes to wear on Christmas day! Come to think of it, it’s been quite some time since I was this eager for Christmas. And I’m glad I’ve gotten out of my depression and “unstable” phase.

Because of the joy I feel, I was supposed to write something about a revived Christmas spirit. I was supposed to…until I heard the bad news. Just this morning, a friend texted me: “Raquel Ang, Vanicx batch, died last night. Her remains lie in state at Funeraria Paz Araneta, 2F, B8. After lunch pa puwede puntahan. Please pass on.” The reason? Car accident.

My initial reaction was shock. I knew her. Although we don’t exactly know each other as friends, I knew her as my fellow batch mate back in high school. We’re not really from the same crowd and we never got the chance to be together in a class or a club, so I didn’t really know her personally. But I could never forget her face. How could I? She has been a familiar face for my entire high school years.

I just got off the phone, talking with my cousin. I learned that Raquel was with three other friends who were also my batch mates---Kristina See, Sheilla Ng, and Katrina Sy. Sheilla was driving home from Tagaytay. Raquel was on the front seat and the other two at the back. And then the tragedy happened. I’m not yet sure what time did Raquel exactly pass away. The other three are currently in the hospital, hopefully recovering.

At this moment, I don’t know what to think or feel. I know that death is an inevitable part of life. I know that sometime soon, we will all die. We just don’t know when. But in mind, I never thought it could be this early. Somehow, I have subconsciously made myself believe that only old people can die. Young people like me still have all the time in the world to live and be merry. I know now that I’m wrong. Dead wrong.

Raquel was only 21 or 22 years old. And I still can’t believe that she’s already gone. She had so much ahead of her. So much energy. So many dreams. So much life. All waiting for her around the corner. But because of a wrong turn, it’s all gone now.

My prayers this Christmas include that everyone be happy, even just on Christmas day. Despite all the trouble the world is experiencing, I was honestly hoping for my prayer to be granted. But like a slap in the face, I know that it can’t come true now.

I just hope that wherever Raquel is, she can be at peace.