In Memoriam

I wrote this last April 13, the day after my good friend was laid to rest. The article was previously posted in my first blog and as a tribute to my friend, I am relocating it here. RIP Michael Maglente.

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Michael, one of my closest friends passed away.

A tumor, discovered in his nasal cavity a year ago, metastasized to his brain. Despite treatments and his will to live, his weakened body succumbed to organ failure. He was buried yesterday.

Some people would say that Michael lived an unfortunate life. Shortly, after being diagnosed with cancer, his wife left him for another man. As his condition worsened, he lost his job and - eventually - sight in his left eye.

Yet throughout his suffering, he persevered with his treatments because he wanted to live for his son. In spite of his family’s shame and disgust, he forgave his unfaithful wife - not just once - but three times.

In one of our conversations, he said that to love is to forgive and that he will always forgive his wife because he loved her. True enough, Michael proved it three weeks before he died.

His wife called to say goodbye because she was leaving the country with her new lover. My friend’s first words as he spoke to the receiver were, “I forgive you for everything.” Nothing else that followed really mattered because, after all that has happened, he still wanted her back in his life.

Faith in the impossible was a virtue that Michael possessed. When I too, was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, Michael cheerfully told me to have faith in God and in myself - things I lost along the way - because he knew that I would survive. To this day, I have no doubt in my mind that he prayed hard for me during those trying times.

Now, seven years after my ordeal, I can only cry; knowing that I could never give him the same courage he showed me. Since last year’s reunion, when he announced the disease, Michael’s family kept his deteriorating condition a secret from everyone. My friends and I never saw him suffer. All this time, we thought he got better. We were so wrong.

Yesterday, a single picture frame stood on top of his coffin. In that frame was a photo of the most beautiful smile anyone could have ever seen. We will always remember Michael that way - the boy with the brave smile and the fearless heart.

Thank you, Michael, for giving us the gift of your life and your friendship. Until we meet again …

Rest in peace, my friend - my brother.

I hold it true, whate’er befall;

I feel it when I sorrow most;

‘Tis better to have loved and lost

Than never to have loved at all.

- In Memoriam A.H.H by Lord Alfred Tennyson