ANNA Marie Zaragoza Vito or Myelee as she is more known, first came into my life in 1992, when she became the girlfriend of one of my brothers, Edwin. They were workmates, then. October of that year, she officially became part of the family when she and my brother got married.
A few months later, she gave birth to Earl Dwaine a.k.a. Jarel. After her maternity leave, she had to go back to work. My brother was also transferred to an out-of-town assignment since they were not allowed to stay in one branch. They often left Jarel with us in the evening of Sunday and fetch him Friday night when my brother arrives from his trip.
At that time, I was still in second or third year high school. It was as early as then that I learned to be responsible of another human life as I had to help out my parents in taking care of the boy. I learned how to prepare Jarel’s milk, feed him and make him burp after. I also learned how to change a baby’s diapers.
When he was three years old, he first entered school, even if he still can’t pronounce some letters. When we ask him to sing the song he learned in school and his song, FYUT SAYAD, would bring laughter to everyone.
A few years after, Jzeanne Darylle was born. When Ate Myelee would go to work, she is left to be taken care of by my brother who was in between jobs then. Jzeanne became a bouncing baby girl because she became a bit obese. She had a round bald head looked like a ball. She was apparently overfed because whenever she cries, her father would immediately feed her.
I was already in my later years in college then when my brother would leave Jzeanne with us in Bakakeng. I would take care of her during my long vacant times. Having learned already how to take care of a baby, it was a bit easier already taking care of Jzeanne. The only challenge for me was that she was a bit on the heavy side for a little child and she always wanted to be carried.
As the two kids aged, I only get to see them on Sundays when they would come to our house and have lunch or dinner with their grandparents. Ate Myelee volunteers to wash the dishes, assisted by Jzeanne later on when she became much taller. I always welcome this gesture because I don’t have to wash the dishes. This despite having to work the whole week. She has always been a busy body, and never seems to run out of things to do.
Among my brothers’ wives, she is closest to me; maybe because we worked in the same industry and we run within the same circles, maybe because she is in Baguio while my other sisters-in-law live elsewhere and only occasionally come up to Baguio, or maybe because we are comfortable with each other. Whatever it is, we just clicked. She is more than a sister-in-law to me. She became a real sister, the sister I never had (FYI, I am the youngest in a brood of 5 guys).
We are, to an extent, open to each other, that she would share some domestic problems they were facing. Even with these challenges, she always puts on a happy face and displays a cheerful disposition. She is the epitome of calmness, even in the midst of anger and frustration, and affliction of physical and emotional pain.
Recently, a friend of mine was planning to open a local branch for an insurance company, and he was looking for possible people who can fill in some positions. I recommended her and we started talks with that friend.
Although a bit hesitant and excited at the same, she wanted to try out this new venture. However, due to some circumstances, this venture did not take off, and I admit, it was my fault that she missed a training because I forgot to inform her about it.
Last Sunday afternoon, I received a call from my brother asking me to help him look for a hospital where Ate Myelee can be transferred because there was no room available in BGH. I was informed that she had a stroke.
I went to see her in the emergency room. Her bed was at the far end. From afar, I saw her brother and mother by her bedside. As I came nearer, I saw her brother, Euvert, pumping an ambubag to aid her breathing, and my heart sank.
She had been in a coma since her attack and never woke up, despite all the efforts that have been exerted by the doctors and all the prayers for her healing offered by many people. She expired four days after. She is survived by her husband, Edwin and her two children, Earl Dwaine and Jzeanne Darylle, her father, Conrado, her mother, Victoria, and her siblings.
It was so sudden. Nobody saw it coming, even Ate Myelee. Life, indeed, can be taken without warning, and can be lost in one blink of the eye. Although it seems like it’s God’s foolishness that someone who has a lot of goodness to share in this world would be taken away so soon. But God’s foolishness is beyond man’s wisdom (1 Cor 1:23), and we, as humans, can never understand such divine wisdom.
To Manong Edwin, Jarel and Jzeanne, always keep in your heart the memory of your mom, her gentleness, goodness and love. Just like a turtle who has to take off his shell to become a dragon, she has to shed her humanity to become an angel, your angel. I am praying for you especially during these most difficult times. All shall soon be well!
To Ate Myelee, I know what you would have asked of me if you have had a chance. Don’t worry, I will. Thank you for everything. You will be missed!