#ate reg

October 28. Aside that it's my parents' wedding anniversary, that date is something I will never forget.

I remember a year ago, that date marked the reunion of my cool high school barkada. 3 years after Graduation, we were reunited again. During that day, since it was my parents' wedding anniversary, I had to leave the group early since we were eating out for dinner. With my family, I had a great time, as well! Food and love all over! 

As we reached home, I was all tired and just managed to sneak at the computer only to check my Facebook notifications and post a status for what the day had been like. Also, my mom's bugging me off to get away from the computer since she wants to use. Mom was already seated in front of our computer when I was reading a news article. It was about a UPLB BS Forestry student who committed suicide.

I read it haphazardly and made sure I checked who was that student. Then I told my mom: "Akala ko 'yung groupmate ko sa STAT1 nun. Kinabahan ako." That was because the first names in the article were similar to Ate Reg's but not the surname. Somehow, it consoled me.

The next day, dad woke me up since he's leaving and that I need to transfer to their room since it was nearer our main door. Y'know, just in case, somebody knocks or something. Then I did what was commanded and went back to sleep. And that's the part when I dreamed about Ate Reg. 

The setting of my dream was near the DL Umali Hall in UPLB. I was with my girl friends and then, a tricycle passed by. (Don't ask why there's tricycle in the campus, I told you, it's a dream!) And I saw Ate Reg at the back of the tricycle. I greeted her: "Hi Ate Reg! Ga-graduate ka na! Yehey!" Because that's what I would always tell her whenever we meet at the campus. Then, I continued: "Kinabahan ako, akala ko ikaw 'yung nasa news article. Pareho kasi kayo Forestry tapos magka-pangalan kayo. Kinabahan talaga ako." And, she just smiled at me and poof, I woke up. 

I didn't think of anything because for me, it's normal to dream of something I have last thought of before going to sleep. Case and point, the news article I read the night before. When I opened the computer, what welcomed me was Candy's wall post: "Sasa, nabalitaan mo na ba 'yung kay Ate Reg?" And everything stopped. Tears were starting to fall. I checked her Facebook account and then, I knew the very sad news. She was gone. Finally, my tears wouldn't just stop.

It was really heart-breaking when I knew it - that someone I know has left this mad crazy world. That even though we were not close or we're just mere schoolmates or past classmates, it's still too sad. Imagine the little time we spent together? During Summer 2010, when I was taking the much-dreaded STAT1, I would see her everyday, solve STAT problems with her, and share stories with her. She even came to our dorm so that we could all finish the exercise. Ate Reg, though I have only met her in a span of a month, is a very pretty lady - inside and out. She's beautiful, nice, kind, and she has a smile that of an angel. I just didn't expect it to happen. For sure, her loved ones, also didn't think of that. However, I'm at least glad, that she has shared a little little part of her life to me, to us. 

It's been a year and I haven't completely forgotten the ache that her loss has brought me. And I couldn't imagine the greater pain that her family and closest friends felt. But I know, wherever is Ate Reg now, she's now safe with arms of our Creator. 

To you, Ate Reg, I will forever thank you! If not because of you, I might have been repeating STAT1 all over again and I wouldn't reach this far in college. Thank you for sparing a little of your time to me. I will always remember you.. and I will cherish those days I've seen you smile. Thank you!