In Memory of Patrick Zaldarriaga By Kendric Tee

In Memory of Patrick Zaldarriaga
By Kendric Tee
Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 6:28pm

I am sure that I do not know Patrick as well as most of you, but currently, I want to look back on our history together. Patrick and I first got to know each other about three years ago, during the third quarter in Grade 7. Prior to that, I do not
shy and it felt a bit awkward for me. However, as that quarter passed, we became group mates in ELCA and had to work together to arrange a play for the final presentation. Even if we weren’t really group mates in other subject clusters, we were able to establish a bond because of our being classmates for that quarter.

After graduating from Grade 7, I was anxious about our High School sections for H1. To my pleasant surprise, me and Patrick were confirmed to be in the same section for that year. It was as if our being classmates was foreshadowed during that year. Certainly, that got me excited for the First Year. Well, as our batch went through the year together, we all discovered that High School was a really fun time, and we all made new friendships while strengthening existing ones. That was the case with me and Patrick despite the fact that we were not classmates for certain subjects, because as people from the same homeroom, we went through the year together, braving the storms and savoring the blissful moments that came our way. We got to know each other better, and we became even better friends.

Early last school year, we were able to be classmates again, but not for long because that year, as all of us know, he had to undergo two operations, and after the second operation, he wasn’t really going to school anymore, but rather had special arrangements to be able to submit his requirements. As his homeroom, our class (2B) all prayed for him in unison and we even arranged a special healing mass for him before his first operation. Despite this, I wasn’t able to speak to him too much last year, even when he did come over to visit us, even if I knew the gravity of the situation. After his operations, I wanted to talk to him, but was afraid of saying the wrong thing, but looking back, I feel I should have consoled him during those times, and I feel that I made a mistake by not really speaking to him much. For me, that is my deepest regret during the time I have known him.

Despite all his suffering, he still worried about us, which is why he tried to keep quiet about it as much as possible, and in his suffering, he managed to unite our batch to rally behind a common goal, his recovery. Patrick was really brave and hopeful, and he kept fighting on to have a normal life after suffering from his condition. His courage has surely inspired many in the batch to become more perseverant when faced with adversity, and has managed to give a few people a new perspective on life because of his positive attitude despite the gravity of his condition. Unfortunately, the situation only got worse, and well, led to his untimely demise. He was gone too soon, but in his time here on Earth, he has managed to inspire hundreds and unify people. For this, he can be likened to one of our national icons, the late President Cory Aquino, who incidentally also suffered from cancer. Truly, the parallelisms are remarkable, as they both fought on despite the grim outlook of things, and managed to bring together many people to rally behind a common goal. Both of them were very positive about their life, and perhaps, have become inspirations for others, giving them a wonderful new view of life. Rightfully, Patrick can be considered an icon to our very own batch for all that he has done for us.

I’m very sure his untimely demise came as quite a shock to most of us, and as a community, we are deeply saddened by his loss. We were all praying for his miraculous recovery, but it did not come. This is proof that God, our Father does not always respond how we expect him to. Perhaps, some of you may be wondering why He let this happen, but I feel that this may be a new beginning for our batch, as a more unified unit and as inspirations for others. We should put our differences aside, and together as a batch, face the rest of the journey of High School with renewed vigor.

However, we must not forget, it was by the deeds of Patrick that made us have a new view of things, and it is because of his suffering that we have strengthened in our unity. Patrick truly is a good example of a life well lived and represents Christian virtues without a doubt. Personally, Patrick has inspired me to be braver and more vocal as an environmentalist, to be more firm in fighting for what I believe in, and to be a better man for others. Truly, his example, and his life will remain in our hearts as a shining example.

Let us pray that his soul may find a place in God’s almighty Kingdom and be numbered among countless others who are very good examples of Christian living.