Even the clouds wept with us.
Last Saturday was the second-to-the-last day of our Parish Priest, Fr. Emmanuel del Rosario, in our parish here in Tandang Sora. I had lost not only a priest, but also a friend.
He is one of the strictest people I could ever recall, saying things frankly, although usually in a harsh manner. He is an artist, filling our church and his pad with different works of art. He is also a singer, regularly checking up the Grand Choir’s singing during important occasions, and singing songs during mass with the congregation as well as the choir. He is, after all, a priest.
He was the priest with whom I received my First Communion, the first time I communed with the Lord. He was the priest when I had my Sacrament of Confirmation. He was the priest when I played in mass for the first time. He was the priest when I first joined a choir. He was the priest when I became active in church activities. He was the priest with which I achieved many firsts.
I’m not sure if there are any lasts with him, but I’m sure that my memories with him will last for a long time.
He says he had become at home and at ease in our community. I think so too. If given a choice, he says that he would stay here and serve God here. I would like so too.
But everything has an end. Good times and bad ones do end. Although sad because of his parting us, I am, at the same time, filled with joy, for he will share his talents with other people besides us. We have had our turn, after all. Now, it’s others’.
Thanks, Pads, for everything. 
If, by any chance, you get to read this particular post of mine, I would like you to know that my life changed during your term here. I thank you for that. Hanggang sa uulitin! Ingat po kayo!
