in memoriam.
Good day everyone,
I wish I were writing under different circumstances. I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines.
She was supposed to have minor outpatient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 2:30 PM. I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents’ place in QC at around 10 AM. We then proceeded to Makati and were there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar’s while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.
Around 1:20 PM, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall. I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. It was only after 6 hours of searching from Makati Med, to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC, with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.
My dad and uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My uncle, who’s a doctor, asked me to describe Leslie’s appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.
I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have …
Today’s the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn’t lie beside you on your bed. My deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama. I am glad that Amber’s too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived — a loving person, strong-willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrificed her career for being a full-time mom and home maker. As with all couples we had our ups and downs, none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. After almost 4 years of marriage, we’ve finally hit our balance in life — only for it to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.
It is my first time to write to an e-group as I’ve lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.
Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God’s kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.
Sincerely,
Carlo Cruz