EULOGY FOR PATRICK ZALDARRIAGA FROM MOMMY & DADDY
We have come together this morning to celebrate the life of my son, Patrick.
In Patrick’s facebook, the shout out goes : A celebration of Patrick’s life: beloved son, friend, student, loved one. He is brave, kind-hearted, intelligent and smart. Fought the good fight against cancer. He will never grow old because God needed him as an angel.
Celebrate is the proper word, because no matter how painful and sad we feel today, in our hearts, we know that he is with our Father in Heaven, and that is truly one best reason to celebrate.
Friends describe Patrick as full of courage, a gentle giant, patriotic and funny. A great writer and a big WWE fan.
A string of words that simply means COOL and AWESOME.
However, all of them agree that what they will forever remember about him, is his sunshiny smile and the selfless spirit that sets him apart from other kids.
In the house, however, he was our baby and admittedly we spoil him as parents.
But outside, he was, as they say, a young man for others.
Close to __4__ years ago, when he was only 12 years old, Patrick was diagnosed with Bone Cancer specifically osteosarcoma. We were told, he only has 6 months to live if the chemo doesn’t work. But it did for a short time as he was in remission for 2 years.
It’s a condition that was considered rare, and one that kept him weak and in pain for days especially during the one year chemo at Cardinal Hospital back in 2006.
Periodically in and out of the hospital, due to chemotherapy, surgeries and constant monitoring, Patrick opted to keep secret, the gravity of his present condition. Patrick doesn’t want giving worries and pains to his loved ones.
On that fateful day, June 12, 2010, after four long years of battling cancer, Patrick finally breathed his last. Pat fought a good fight. Amazingly, Patrick never complained or whined about his sickness. He has this positive attitude that he just wants to live as normal as possible.
In these last critical hours of Patrick’s life, I finally said my goodbyes. I told him, “We love you so much Pat. I’m saying goodbye for now. Don’t worry about Mommy and Daddy. We’d be alright. It’s time for you to rest. Will be seeing you again”.
I can feel Patrick listening to my every word. He can’t respond as his breathing is extremely labored, but in my heart, I can just feel the connection he makes to reach out to us.
When he expired, the first thing I thought of was Pats Freedom from pain and suffering.
Freedom from his crutches, surgery, medicines and hospital stays.
And the freedom to touch the lives of many.
Patrick is indeed finally FREE
Even in death, Patrick’s timing is impeccable since June 12, was after all Independence Day.
Patrick held on to his last breath only until he heard Peter and I say that we were ready to let him go. Patrick cared about us, until the end.
Two months ago, Patrick asked us to bring him to Our Lady of Manaog in Pangasinan. June 12, was also the feast day of Mama Mary’s Immaculate Heart.
I’m sure that wherever Pat is right now,
The promises he whispered to Our Lady of Manaog will slowly unfold.
As Patrick’s Mom, I never knew Patrick the way others did.
Until now, it amazes me how the son I thought we’ve spoiled at home has inspired his many friends and teachers to stand out and be brave.
Thank you, Patrick, for coming into my life, and your dad’s life. You have made it meaningful.
You surely make us proud to have a son like you. You have brought us so much joy, blessings and laughter. We will terribly miss you.
I know it’s just the two of us now, but you will always be at our center,
bearing Christ in our hearts, as you were born to do.
I won’t say goodbye, but I’m wishing you a happier life ahead with God.
Soon, your dad and I will see you again.
Till that day, I will forever remember your tight embrace,
your kind words of I love you Mommy and your sweet kiss.
No matter how hard it may be, your dad and I will celebrate.
For you have finally returned home to the One who gave you to us.
Rest now, Patrick.
Mommy and Daddy Loves you.
