Papang is finally laid to rest today

At 7 am, fr. Dodong presided the funeral mass for my father. The ceremonies and the liturgy allowed us to express the grief we felt as papang's interment was coming closer. We drew strength from each other, as family, specially that our relatives were around at that time. The Interlude choir filled the celebration with beautiful, memorable hymns. The attendance at papang's funeral mass was unexpected. At past 8 am, we brought our father in his coffin to Autumn Woods Memorial Park in Taway. With the help of some friends, those who mourned with us were ferried to the park with vehicles, which were served for free. Papang's place of burial had been orderly readied before we arrived there. Nonoy lead the burial prayers before the interment. I could hear the mourning of my sisters as papang in his casket, was brought down to the ground. All I could say was to hope that he may have a peaceful journey towards his heavenly home. I stood beside my mamang, as I felt the grace of strength that kept me peaceful. Then the tomb was completely covered. They placed the gravestone with my father's name etched therein. They covered his tomb with the flowers offered at his wake. Mamang, Dyan, Daday and I prayed at papang's grave, where we lighted two candles.

Papang's earthly body now rests in a peaceful place; his soul now reunites with the Father who created him. Our relatives have just left us back to their places. And we at home, take our well-deserved relaxation. A sense of joy now fills me, having seen how we have given our father an honorable, memorable and peaceful interment. May he truly rest peacefully in the arms of his Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ the Lord.