Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Farewell, my friend

I have just received news that my college buddy, my best friend, Lynne Sanchez, passed away last April 4 after a gruelling battle with the Big C. Lolit, her sister, told me that I was to give a eulogy for her.

It might sound a bit cliche but it just seems like only yesterday when I first saw her on her motorbike driving from home to school. You should understand that during those days, that was not a very usual site so I was really impressed.

She was my partner in crime from first year till we parted ways after graduation. When I got married and had my first child, she was the first one to come for a visit while wife was heaving in pain, counting how far apart were the contractions. Naturally, she was first on the list as one of the godmothers. From then on, she would come for a visit with another friend and stay in our house. There was even a time when she and another friend stayed over while we discussed the friend's philosophy assignment.

In college, we would meet in our favorite tambayan at UERM in the morning, have breakfast at Laurel and Hardy, attend classes until we got tired and decide to go some place else, like watch a movie with our friends. Usually, we would go to her sister's printing press and stay there to eat, bum around, play the guitar (this was the time when not even the karaoke was invented yet.) She loved singing Carly Simon songs...Legend in your own time, Anticipation, and her favorite, I've got my mind on my man again. She also played a mean Lucy in The Skies with Diamonds, among others). From her, I've learned to like sappy songs like Tavares' Hardcore Poetry, Allesi Brother's OhLori and Kenny Rankin whose concert we saw at the Folk Arts Theater. We would separate ways at about 6 pm when there's no other place to go, and talk on the phone afterwards. No, we were not a couple. We were just good friends all that time who shared the same likes and tastes for music and practically everything.


No sooner than the first time we got together, her family and friends became known to me and I would spend Christmas with them, go to discos, Baguio and all other fun places. In school, we would go with our friends and roam all over town on her sister's car, have lunch at the Golden Room of the Aristocrat or whatever fancy place we would chance upon. These we've done for what seemed like ages.


After college, she worked for a Travel agency for a time until she decided it was time to migrate to the US. The last time I talked to her was when she was already ill but she was still the same kind of woman I've known. Her hearty laughter permeates the room everytime. I remember that her strong presence was felt once you've entered the room. Her cologne was simple and yet always had a lasting effect on anyone. We always had fun time together.

It just seemed so impossible that death should come to her, young as she was and full of vibrance and wit. And yet, it did. It is during these times that I know how small I am, that I am not invincible and that life as I know it should cease one of these days.
So, to Lynne whereever you are, thank you for the memories. One of these days, we will be jamming again!

11 comments:

boy crazy said...

i'm very sorry to hear about your friend, rolly. i check out your blog every now and then, hoping to hear great news from u -- it's like we're kindred spirits, outbraving whatever's thrown at us, i enjoy the (mis)adventures anyway, i'm sure u do, too. but this? who's really prepared to face such a tragedy? some ppl might say it's all good and they've been ready since the day they've known but honestly, when it's time, the experience is traumatic and almost unbearable. u and your friend's family are in my prayers and thoughts.

Toni said...

I'm sorry to hear about your dear friend, Tito Rolls.

One of my favorite quotes is this:

"God gave us memories so we can have roses in winter."

My condolences.

Jhun Billote said...

oh...so sorry to hear about your old friend. but i know, God will keep her safe and in turn she'll make Him busy. It is not "goodbye" to an old friend but say "goodluck to the new adventures.

kat said...

My condolences to you.

{illyria} said...

my condolences, rolly. i bet she fought bravely.

tintin said...

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's passing. So young and full of life! My prayers are with her family

rolly said...

Sophie Thanks for checking my blog. Yes, I do face everything thrown my way, address them one by one. And yes, I enjoy the (mis)adventures.

Yes, my friend's loss is tragic but tehn c'est la vie.

toni That's a very nice quote. Very positive. Thanks.

metal Thank you. yes, God should have his hands full right now that she's there. She's a happy woman, always on the go!

KAt Thanks.

Transcience Yes. She has a very strong fighting spirit.

TinTin Thanks for the prayers.

Anonymous said...

Every time I read about the passing on of a dear friend, my first instinct is to convey my condolences. The news always brings about a sadness without fail. Sweet memories, shared dreams, memories of laughter and escapades; they have all become part of us and they inevitably pain us that this treasured "partner in crime" can no longer share more experiences with us.

My deepest condolences, rolly. Anyone who fights the Big C and yet lives life to the fullest has my deepest respect. The depth of your emotions indicate the depth of your friendship.

JM Ibanez said...

Sir, my condolences. Just dropping a note, saying hi. My main blog's at http://www.livejournal.com/~jmibanez/ ; I also maintain a tech blog at http://www.livejournal.com/~cyberlizard/ ; website at http://www.mycgiserver.com/~butiki/

batjay said...

mahirap mawalang ng kaibigan ano? parang a part of you dies with them. sorry to hear about your loss. sana nga may afterlife para pwede pa ring ituloy ang kantahan sa mega jamming session in the sky.

Anonymous said...

rolly,

After commenting yesterday on the loss of your friend, I was reminded of a poem by Deanna Beisser:

Before I leave this world
I want to tell my children
a few very important things
about who I am
and what I believe.
It may not make a difference
in the big scheme of things,
but at least for me,
I feel as if
I shared mt heart
and the truths of my soul.
I want them to know that my spirit
danced with each new day
and quietly kissed each evening good-night,
that I loved them with all that I am,
and that wherever their journeys lead them,
my love will be there, too.


Is this the legacy your friend left behind?