…a tribute to one Brave Woman

Indeed, our existence in this very world we live in is but temporary. The mere fact that people die reminds us that the moment we close our eyes, we may not be able to see light again. Death! This is what  we all fear to face. Even the  simple utterance of the word scared our entire being. But if you have lived life to the fullest and have offered every day of your life to God, then you would’nt be afraid if death knocks at your door.

The question is: Are you ready?

Most people define death as something the ends it all. But this is not true. For death is only a conclusion of the existence of our flesh in this physical world. After we are through in this world, another life starts. God knows where. So, we need not to be afraid at all.

I feel blessed to have known a brave, remarkable and intelligent woman in FFL Community. Her name is Dr. Evelyn Tejada. We call her Tita Evelyn. She has become our mother in Singles Community (FFL). She mothered us well and helped us grow in the community. Tita Eve, together with her husband Tito Boy, had shown exemplary service as servants of God.

Tita Eve was a full-fledged mentor, a Supervisor, a loving mother and a servant of God all throughout her life. She did these things all in one body while she suffered from a dreadful disease called cancer. Yes, she had a cancer. But her illness never stopped her from fulfilling her duties as mentioned. Everyday, she would go to City Divisions Office, take care of her four healthy boys, manage to attend prayer meetings from here and there even after she had just finished her chemotherapy. Such faith and dedication to service to God and to her family. Remarkable.

A brave woman she is to us. Everytime we had our prayer meeting, we never witnessed any evidence of regret and sadness. On the contrary, she was even so positive about it. She would say: “I am not afraid. God is with me.” I think, she felt that God is closer to her than before she had the illness. Her faith in God made her strong and faced her condition with bravery and positivism.  A woman like Tita Eve could work  and make ends meet and serve God at the same time despite her illness. These things were so easy for her. But some of us, blessed with good health, fail to serve God because of petty qualms like headache, tootache etc. God has given us everything we need to survive in this world and He also gives as the freewill whether or not to use our body, health and skills against Him or for Him. I think it’s time to make a choice before the curtain befalls before you.

However, Tita Eve’s spirit was willing to journey on earth but the body was weak. She passed away last October 27, 2010. A woman who was never afraid of death. Yes, Tita Eve was not afraid of dying for she knew that she made a choice, that is, to be with God, and even when she was still alive, that choice was very clear to her. It was a good fight and she had won the battle for I know that Tita Eve is in good hands - in the hands of God. And the pain is gone. What’s left is only eternal joy with our Almighty.

The poem below is written as tribute to Tita Eve. 

Tita Eve, this is for you…farewell.

A Poem for Tita Eve

Truly you have become our mother that nurtured us
With your calm, tender yet persistent hands,
You have pushed us to a dedicated service
To God, to the CFC - SFL community.

You have shown us the right path to journey
And gathered us in your loving arms
Reminded us of the things at hand
To praise and worship God always.

You say: “Praise and worship God all your life.”
And say you nothing can defeat nor harm us
Such enthusiasm inspired us to do just that
And see, we owe you what we have become.

You are brave and confident towards life
Frail might be your body has become
But only the naked eyes can see that
Never our hearts that see strength.

Though your flesh may cease to exist
But memories linger in our hearts
Never indeed vanish into thin air
But forever be cherished and kept.