A heartfelt message for JSY

Before I start, I am speaking on behalf of my mom from her perspective, in worries that she might get too emotional reading throughout the whole speech. Now, I would like to thank everyone for being here. Your love and support is uplifting.

“THERE comes a time in our life when we all have our own shortcomings. After all, nobody is perfect to begin with. But once you meet the person who is willing to accept every flaw and imperfection, you learn and grow for the better.

For the past six to seven years, every single second spent with him was worthwhile. He meticulously filled the void in my heart and completed me as a person. As cliché as it sounds, he treated me the best he could as his partner-in-crime, his muse, and ultimately, his wife.

He was always there through my ups and downs. He always had good intentions. He would not hesitate to do something for the ones he love as long as it brings happiness and comfort.

Knowing Jerry, he was not exactly vocal when it comes to his feelings, but he was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Out of all the memories we created together, the one that made a huge impact in my life was when he and I got married. Through that experience, it made me truly realize that his love for me was genuine, and that I am the person who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He taught me how to trust in the process and true essence of marriage.

Whenever he suspected that something was bothering me he would coax me to share it with him para siya ang lumutas ng problema ko. Whenever he figured that I was lonely he would put his arms on my shoulder or take me in his arms.

To some he might seem aloof and imposing pero sa matagalan, makikita mo na mabait, maalaga, mapagmalasakit at mapagmahal siya. But his concern for other people does not end with his family dahil alam n’yo rin na marami pang ibang taong umaasa sa kanya. Merong mga bagay in the past and at present na itinago o inumit niyang sabihin sa akin, not to fool me, but to avoid hurting me.

Though I know most of those things, I kept quiet and accepted him completely for what he was just as he accepted me for what I am. He embraced my family as his. Though there were some difficulties when I entered his family I know he tried his very best to facilitate a smooth merging of two families. He saw to it that we had common activities like travelling all together.

He never liked arguments, being the person he was, he just wanted us all to be happy. No one could have loved me more.

Jerry, I would like to remember you as a God-given blessing to me, as well as to my family. You were the cause of our happiness, something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will miss you terribly, my best friend, my greatest love…It is never a goodbye, but a see you later. Until we meet again, love.

You were the light of my life; and, your love still shines the brightest. The memories we shared comfort me every day. Although you are no longer with me in this life, I still feel your presence. I will always honor our life together by focusing on the joy we shared.