BIRTH is a miracle itself.
Orville’s day of birth on December 12, 1957 must have been filled with overwhelming joy as parents Ben and Prescilla and grandparents, then- Rev. Alejandro H. Dugaduga and Rev. Regina L. Dugaduga welcomed the firstborn son and apo in the family.
On his eighth day after birth, he was happily and gratefully offered to God by his grandfather at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines- Panabo, Davao del Sur.
As the eldest in a brood of five, he was raised to be responsible in taking care of his four younger siblings.
As a husband
During our marriage in 1984, he admitted that he had so much to learn. We first met in UCCP when I was still in first year college. We were together in the choir. My first Bible was given by him. I attribute to him my spiritual transformation experience. He was instrumental in my whole family’s spiritual awakening too. His increasing love for God, his family and others was evident in many ways. His generosity and care would range from taking time with us on a regular basis to being in charge of the nitty-gritty of being a husband.
At home then, he loved to landscape our abode in Jade Valley (washed out by two big floods though). He always took time to do menial work from plumbing, household chores to mechanical-technical work. I have been missing his morning calls, “breakfast is ready.” There were times that I would look for him in the morning only to find out that he’s out in the market for my favorite fruit breakfast. We used to walk or jog together or just enjoy dining together. The massage after work is so cherished.
Countless were the times when he would take the load of doing the chores specially when I gave birth to our fourth and without house helps then.
His last Christmas gift for me in year 2017 is a watch of my choice. My 2018 birthday was filled with joy as he gave me a bunch of sunflowers and other gifts. The whole family spent my birthday in a resort where we spent great memories together over the night, not knowing that, it was my last birthday with him around. (Thanks to Mm. Au of Balibali Beach Resort)
As a father
Becoming a father softened his heart and motivated him to expand his understanding and considerations specifically amongst his four boys. His natural love for music was handed down to them as at the age of 11 and 12, where each already knew how to play the guitar.
His love for his sons was greatly expressed through swimming, jogging, playing basketball and chess with them. When the kids were much younger, we often would travel.
Whenever the boys were sick, Orville was always fully awake for them while I would close my eyes and say a little prayer “Wake me up Lord if I have to.”
Orville had instilled discipline and responsibility amongst our boys. Whenever relatives and friends ask as to how we ever raised our four gents, I would always attribute it to him. During the younger years of our sons, he would more often than not combine love and discipline when dealing with typical growing up boys’ mischief.
He loved to prepare sumptuous and healthy dishes for us. His first dish was sort of accidental, as he volunteered instead, to do my usual lechon paksiw. He added pineapple chunks and tomato sauce to my ordinary paksiw. When our first two boys tasted dad’s recipe, they exclaimed, “Wow, sarap! Sana si daddy na lang sige luto.”
Seven months have passed after that day, July 7, 2018. It has marked an inexplicably painful vacuum. Excruciating... beyond words.
Are all our prayers and efforts in vain? The whole time was a great Journey of Love, of unconditional love.
Family, relatives, friends never stopped sending their love and concern through prayers, food items, fruits, food supplements, flowers, material needs and monetary gifts flooded the days, weeks and months of our agony.
On a day-to-day basis, the Divine’s comforting words and provisions came in diverse ways. Many a times that I would pray for affirmation, individuals and groups would come and share comforting words and songs... special mention to the Gintong Himig of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) of which Orville and I were part of. They visited him twice or thrice in the hospital and once in the house and sang songs. Orville joyfully and zestfully sang with them too.
In his sick bed he would pray for his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, expressing his gratitude to me and his sons for taking turns in taking care of him, including his tireless parents and siblings and our AMORE Community.
Towards his transition, he requested to be brought to the sea. So for two consecutive days, before he departed, we brought him to Times Beach for lunch by the sea and on a Friday, at Azuela Cove for sea breeze. Had a serious talk then with our third son, Josiah-our driver that day, to have his presence felt by daddy as “any time he would go,” It was too soon as the following day, Orville breathed his last.
His last seawater dip was on March 30 in Mati, when he responded to join me...allowing the strong waves to engulf us as I thought that it would give him relief. He had a little pain attack there and he simply asked me to be brought to the shoreline and allowed the pain to leave, without having to tell anyone.
Pain and death are part of LIFE. To reject them is to reject life itself (Havelock Ellis)
His life, our relationship and his relationships with others may be far from perfect. He had his own mistakes, setbacks and flaws. But all the good and great things he had left far outweighs everything that may not have worked right in his lifetime.
To my beloved Orville, with much appreciation for your life, I give you my SALUTE as a man, son, husband, father, leader and friend.
Sixty years, seven months and seven days... and he breathed his last. (Judith C. Bacarro)