Dear Dad,
Much as it hurts to finally see you go …. as life would have it, we are often drowned by circumstances far beyond our control. Watching you struggle these last few years have been tough and agonizing; at times truly heart-breaking.
As you leave, let me reflect on the life that I’ve come to know. As a young child growing up in our hometown, Pakil your love and passion for music has made us quite a household name. Even to this day, I’m still easier placed when I tell people, “I’m the daughter of Virgie Rarela.” How flattering to be in a town where everybody knows your name. You were also greatly recognized for your unique generosity as so many families in the Pakil community have greatly acknowledged a desperate moment in their lives when you were there and came through for them when they needed it most.
In the early 70’s we left all that behind and immigrated here in the U.S, started out in Brooklyn and later moved to Queens Village where you developed a brand new circle of friends. Was it your music combined with your great sense of humor that they loved you for? Well, whatever, in your company there was never a dull moment as I still have fond memories of your younger yeas with a group of music-lovers during the Queens Village days when you and mom hosted a series of Saturday house parties; friends, taking turns, one after another, singing their favorite songs while you provided the music on your grand piano. It was as if you gave your friends something to look forward to and unwind after a week of stressing at the job. On the reverse, when you got invited, by these very same friends, they would actually cancel their parties altogether upon knowing you wouldn’t be able to make it. The absence of your music (in their book) just wouldn’t make it right.
Still, without a doubt, your life was far from perfect because there came a time when your good intentions to continue to do good things came to a sudden halt.
Despite all that, you never lost interest in living. What I did learn towards the end is that, God allows us to live for as long as we can handle it, love it and most importantly, appreciate it. And my God, you did have quite an appreciation for LIFE!
Your life could have very well ended some 10 years ago but you pushed and fought to keep going despite the aching joints, the outrageous side effects of the medications, and mainly the trips to the dialysis center which you did for over 10 years.
I’m so grateful that inasmuch as we’re losing you now, you stuck around long enough for me to say, “Dad, thank you, but enough already.”
Love to you, and have a safe journey. Rest in peace, Dad.
