The Friend who is Dale

... Third year high school, i was at the library looking for some research.... I saw Dale, he was on a table writing something on a white long pad paper. I was thinking of a formal writing assignment or any essay homework. There were none. I approached him and read his work. It was about day to day life. His thoughts were stylishly penned . I said to him, "para saan? may assignment ba tayo?" Then he said to me, "wala lang, nagsusulat lang ako. baka magamit ko rin." Then a big smile beaming at his face....

How many stories i can tell about Dale the big guy who wants to try his cross-over during our basketball practice. The one who orders commands to the CAT cadets. The one who speaks and explains his thoughts... Maistorya din, tapos matatawa ka kapag tumawa siya.

I was not that close to Dale, unlike Al-let or Randy. I belonged to a different clique. I was a Mongolian while he belonged to KPL (...), oh our high school name tags. Dale had a warm heart, ever supporting and respecting. He was one of the leaders of our batch.

How I wish i have seen him before he left. Members of the batch core group were meeting at gateway mid of Jan. We were planning for Balerkada and also talking about visiting Dale. Initially, it was scheduled on his birthday, February 04. But sadly, we were so busy... Hate this busy schedule! Hate it! We often forget what is important! arrrrgggggghhh... Now we have time when it is too late...

A message came to my cell phone, early this morning. I was boarding the LRT train at Katipunan Station going to work. Upon reading it, my heart became weighty. I have not seen the man - too late to see him alive - to exchange glances, whisper a prayer or if possible have a little chat...

In behalf of the batch, we express our condolences to the family of our dear Kabarkada - Dale Lega. We pray that the situation shall accomplish its purpose especially to those who are close to him. We speak of comfort for the family and upon this brokenness, may they see vividly the Light that gives True Hope. The Light that is Christ. Oh how great it is to face death that we may gain Christ. He has died in behalf of Dale 2000 years ago. Let us trust and have faith. The life here on earth is just a small glimpse of the life we have in eternity. Condolences, Godbless.