Bong, my youngest brother, had his first and last heart attack last Thursday, February 3. He was 33 years old. Many were saying that he was too young to die. But life is indeed short. Only God knows when it is time for us to leave our temporary assignment here on earth. I learned that Bong's heart problem started from rheumatic heart fever due to frequent tonsilitis episodes when he was young. When he was a teenager there was a time when he was very sick that he could not get up. It was late in the 90s or early 2000 when a cardiologist from the Philippine Heart Center revealed that he needed to undergo a heart operation to replace his mitral valve. In 2008, the director of PHC said that Bong's heart enlarged significantly based on his last 2d echocardiogram and recommended the replacement of his two valves. We did not have the money needed for the major operation. Bong's application for a US visa to seek medical treatment in New York was denied twice. In short, the much-needed operation did not push through.
Bong died in the company of friends and fellow servants. As a barangay councilor, he was attending a seminar on barangay governance in White Beach, Puerto Galera. He was listening to the lecture during the second day morning session when he uttered his last words, "Naliliyo ako." (I feel dizzy). His close friend and co-councilor tried to revive him on their way to the hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.
Bong was well-loved by his many friends. I was deeply touched when I read the messages posted on his Facebook wall the night when he passed away. Because of his heart problem, he did not finish a college degree and he was not gainfully employed. He was a tambay in our barangay and he had the luxury of time for friendship.
Bong was prepared for his death. He was not certain when his time would be up but he knew that it would be soon. He enjoyed his last moments. He kept saying for every happening that it might be his last.
Farewell, Bong. Rest in peace with the Lord.
