40 days after Sendong: Grieving and letting go

Thursday, January 26, 2012

“EVERY family who suffered from the vengeance of nature is unfathomable… The pain and longing from losing a loved one is immeasurable…”

These were the words of couple Christopher and Emily Velez from Sitio Cala-Cala in Barangay Macasandig who lost their three-year-old daughter Bea during the flash flood at the height of Tropical Storm Sendong on December 16, 2011.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Members and supporters of non-government organization Balsa Mindanao march Wednesday from the Pilgrim Christian College to the Kagay-an Bridge near Rotunda to join thousands of residents in offering prayers for victims of Tropical Storm Sendong (Joey P. Nacalaban).

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“In losing our loved one, sometimes I asked myself who is really the victim? Are the people who are alive who remembered and longed for them or they (dead) who are resting in peace?” Christopher said, though admitting that these questions are still left unanswered.

He said the loss of their house, a loved one and their work is a struggle as they tried to move forward and start a new life.

“We still have this courage but we just need to pray that soon, we can get through this and realize that God has a purpose why it happened to us,” Christopher added.

But the Velez couple said they still have the gift of life and hope as they begged the people to help save Mother Nature not only for the present generation but also for the next generation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Balsa Mindanao members and supporters light candles at the Kagay-an bridge for all the victims of the flood. (Joey P. Nacalaban)

“Do not let this thing happen again,” Christopher pleaded.

The Velez couple was among the thousands of residents who flocked to the Kagay-an Bridge on Wednesday evening for the 40th day commemoration of the great devastation that hit Cagayan de Oro last month.

At the Kagay-an Bridge, they offered prayers and lighted candles for those who died and those who are still missing, at the same time letting themselves ready to face a “new hope and a new future.”

Those who have missing relatives and family members brought with them placards with the names and photos of the missing persons.

Candles were also left floating on the river as the grieving relatives released sky lanterns and threw petals.

Around the city, residents observed 17 minutes of silence and turned off their lights while bells at churches were tolled.

Tears flowed out after survivors, rescuers and relief operation volunteers shared their testimonies.

Aside from the Velez couple, those who shared their experiences include Rose Dumaguet, Jossie Rioja and Lenny Rioja from Sitio Cala-Cala and Lieutenant Colonel Archie Pel from the 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Jossie Rioja said after the great tragedy, there is still hope.