A year ago

A year ago

We knew not yet

So early on

We booked a room

Where we would spend

New Year’s Eve

Away from the noise

The residue that came

After thoughtless revelry

A year ago

We knew but one

That you were just doing fine

Kicking and active

In a pool of love

In your warm sac

Away from things unseen

That could hurt

Your fragile life

A year ago

We did not know

So we had a blast

At a photo shoot

A lasting moment

In one brief flash

Away from ridicule

Of tainted eyes

And malicious scowls

A year ago

No inkling we had

That you would carry

A burden much harsher

Than firework burns

We were but hours and days

Away from learning

Nature’s most cruel trick

Of life incompatibility

On October 19, 2012, Aires and I learned from an elaborate ultrasound that Skye would probably be born with a chromosomic discorder. We did not know then yet that it would be Trisomy 18 or Edward Syndrome. Two months later on December 15, Skye was born and struggled to live for another five months. She passed away on May 27, 2013.

Dearest Skye

Dearest Skye,

I love you. I miss you. I know that you were given to us for a reason. I am not sure though if I have already fully uncovered what this reason is.

I never will forget you. How you kept me awake until the wee hours? I’m sorry if there were times that I nearly lost my composure. I was just too tired and frustrated. Please forgive me.

I tell myself every day that I am ready to face any challenge that comes my way. You have made me stronger because you made me see and accept my frailties as a person, a father and a husband.

I see and feel your little hands as I wake up each day. How you help me make decisions. How you help me go to the right direction.

Please continue helping me become a better person. But more importantly, help Nanay and me mold your Kuya Heaven into a kind, responsible and caring big brother -- the kind whom you deserve to have.

Love,

Tatay