The REAL Me

Who among your dearly departed hold(s) a special place in your heart?

http://greenbucks.info/2008/11/02/remembering/

Aside from remembering my relatives who have passed away, one particular person whose death has a big impact on me is my batchmate, legal counsel and friend, Analy Mangalindan.

In fact, today is her first death anniversary. She and her boyfriend, James Fernandez, also a lawyer, drowned in Pagodpod, Ilocos Norte while they were enjoying a vacation with James’ family. It is even painful for Jame’s loved ones, because his body was never recovered.

What I remember most about Analy is her sweet smile. At first she seems “maarte”, but it’s just the way she is. It was just sad that during the time I sought her help, it was the time that we were starting to be close again, after years of living our separate lives after college. We were supposed to meet after her short vacation to attend to a hearing regarding the legal issue with Lex’s dad. Even “he” was surprised with Analy’s death, since he just met her a few weeks before, where he commented “Ang tapang ng lawyer mo”, when she sort of threatened him with a lot of civil cases that could be filed if he doesn’t agree on our terms. Hahaha. I really love Analy for that – her sweet smile is mistaken for a weak heart. So Lex’s dad was so surprised when she spoke with conviction.

I am hoping that Analy’s family is coping well. It was sad that she and her mom and older sister have not seen each other in 6 years (they live in the US while Analy and her Dad, with the stepmom and step sister, are here), and the next time they see her, she is already in a casket.

I pray for her family, the family of James, and of course, for both of them – that they are enjoying eternity together, with God and their loved ones in heaven.

UPSCAns Lene, Lisa and Analy - 2004 file photo

Analy, thank you for being a dear friend, for not hesitating to help a friend in distress. I’m really sorry I was not able to treat you out before you went ahead. I was hoping we could celebrate after all the paper works have been done. I am happy to note, though, that the case has been closed already, and “he” is “enjoying” his time in far away Compostella Valley, with some other “punishment”, as he calls it. Justice has been served, and even if we didn’t really get exactly what we wanted, I am at peace with the thought that God has answered our prayers. Lex and I will never forget you. Thank you. We love you, and we miss you.