XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL’S CLASS 2012 GRADUATION RITES
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL’S CLASS 2012 GRADUATION RITES
March 23,2012
The day i got a text from Kendrick Kyle Chua Santos ,inviting us to attend the Xavier graduation rites, brought tears to my eyes. I suddenly felt, Patrick really wanted me and Peter to be there. Previously, we got a similar invite from Miss Jane Cacacho but we have decided on not going, as it is very difficult not to be sad seeing the boys all graduating without Patrick. However, i suddenly felt that Patrick will be there too in spirit and he wanted us to join him with his dear batchmates.
The moment i arrived at the campus, a wave of memories flashed , its like seeing Patrick waving to me from the class balcony with his typical grin. Peter and I decided on putting up a brave front as he felt that too, but we dont want to cry .
At the mass, Fr. Johnny gave a mention of Patrick on his homily. Totally unexpected but we were definitely so touched. The moment i saw Patricks image flashed on the screen during the homily, i wanted to cry, but i managed to compose myself. Peter, almost fell from his chair seeing Patrick on screen,he wanted to go out as he was afraid he might create a scene if he cries, but thank goodness, Miss Jane Cacacho was there for moral support. Fr. Art Borja included Patrick in his prayer as well as Kerwin delos Santos who came up the stage to offer his intentions for Patrick. The moment i saw Kerwin, i wanted to cry and hug him. Kerwin and Jon Ridge Ong are two of Patricks bestest of best friends in Xavier school, since Kevin Yang left Xavier during Grade 7. Kevin Yang is also Patrick’s childhood best friend from Xavier.
Kerwin and Jon however were tagged by Patrick as his ” cohorts” …why because they share a common passion in studying, admiring girls but only up to that as they are all “torpe” at that time , laughs at the silliest jokes, hangs around at the library and canteen, just like typical nerds .
It is unbelievable how this 2 will consistently wait for Patrick everyday as he goes to school with his wheelchair and later on in crutches. With no fail at all , they will be there to help Pat push his wheelchair and move him around clasrooms . They were very patient with Pat who i think abuses the kindness of this two coz one time, i was picking up Patrick in school and i saw Jon, carrying Patricks bag, while Kerwin was holding the tray containing Patricks food..Yeah like Pat is some sort of a boss 🙂 but seriously, i know in my heart, they love Patrick and Patrick loves them to bits too. Again, i felt this kind of tug in my heart when i saw them at the graduation rites. Its a rare gift and experience to be loved by friends this much and I want to thank Kerwin and Jon Ridge for that. I went home crying not of sadness but with overflowing happiness that my son got all this love, much care and support from this 2.
You see, Xavier School is Patrick Zaldarriaga’s second home. He loves Xavier so much , he wanted to continue his studies even when he was sick of cancer. It was the only thing normal to him that makes him truly happy, among the company of friends and teachers dear to him. In the speech of Kendrick Kyle Chua Santos- Xavier awardee ,he said something like ..Patrick doesnt want to stop schooling , as it is the only thing left for him and asks not to take that away from him … I honestly cannot rephrase all that Kendrick said as i was getting to be emotional but we are so happy when he said , Patrick was an inspiration to him . Kendrick’s speech with Patrick in there felt so good to us and somehow uplifted our spirits .
Walking thru the quadrangle, i suddenly reminisced on Patrick walking around school in his crutches. Acting and smiling with no care in the world. Xavier , thru the great help and support of Fr. Johnny Go, Patrick was able to live a semblance of normality even as cancer continues to make it difficult for him, the past 4 years. Xavier’s acceptance of his condition, doing everything they can to help Patrick, making it easy for him just so he can continue his studies via home school, brought him so much joy inspite of all the struggles . I dont think, i can find another school in the world as amazing as Xavier. It is a school with so much love , compassion and understanding on the plight of Patrick. It was God’s plan, i believe now to put Patrick in this great institution as it will have a crucial part in his fight for cancer. God knows this is the best school for him. God knows, it is here where Patrick can find the people who will love and support him . Ive often said to Fr. Johnny Go , Fr. Art Borja,Ms. Jane Cacacho and the rest of the teachers, words will never be enough to say our heartfelt gratitude and Thanks . The hospital visits, the masses for Patrick, the daily prayers in school for Patrick was all so overwhelming.
One thing i now know, Patrick’s light will continue to shine through for all of us he left behind here on earth. We are proud to have raised a son with a true Xavierian spirit and that he will live on in our hearts forever…..
