A Very Sad Day

Last night I learned from a dear friend that our former classmate and close friend William Loyola has died. A few days before he passed away, he had a stroke and went into a coma. Another close friend told me that the doctor gave him just 48 hours to live, though he exceeded that time, his body eventually gave in and succumbed to death. I never stopped praying since the day I've learned of his condition, hoping that God would give him another chance, but ultimately our tenure on earth is in God's hand.

This had me thinking about life, and about the future, not just mine, but also of my loved ones, friends, and basically everyone who I know and don't know. What does the Word of God say about life and our future here on this temporary place called earth? Here are verses from Psalms 39: 4-7 which I've read a few days ago. This will remind us how very short and fragile man's life is, and whom we should put our hope and trust to.

"LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”We are merely moving shadows and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You."

Last year, another dear friend of mine passed away, and because I was on vacation, I was able to at least see him for the last time. It was so surreal. Until now I can't believe that these two unique individuals are gone forever, never to be seen again. All that's left are memories. Farewell. Praying to God for His comfort for their loved ones and friends.

This photo was taken around 1988 (or 1989). William is at the far right. Right next to him is Nazareno, another friend of mine who died much earlier around 2004 I think, then Mike, and then me.