General Santos Doctors’ Medical School Foundation Inc.

Bulaong Subdivision, Barangay West, General Santos City 9500

Tel No.: (083) 302-3507, Telefax No.: (083) 552-9793

NAME: BULALAQUE, CHARISSE D. SECTION: BSN3C

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GRIEF AND LOSS

We are all aware of death and recognize that it will come to all of us. To many of
us, death sends shivers down our spines, but to others, it gives courage and a sense of
achievement. Whether lucky or unfortunate, we are all sentenced to death. However, no
one knows when the inevitable will arrive, but we all know it is unavoidable. But what
makes death seem more real to us and those who deny it are the vivid images of people
suffering, in pain, and dying before many of us can rationalize and accept the fact.
There’s no healing after losing a loved one. My family had been through a lot of ups and
downs over the past few months. My grandfather had been in and out of the hospital
because of his condition. Last March 01, my grandfather finished his fight for life. It was
really tough for us, especially for me, since I am one of the closest granddaughters of my
grandfather. It was an anticipated death; we all knew that my grandfather couldn’t fight
anymore and that his case was getting more complicated every day. I would say the
most difficult time for us was when the doctor presented us with the waiver to sign.
Growing up, I used to hate my grandfather so much because of his strictness; he wants
everything to be perfect. But as I grew up and we became closer, he would often refer to
me as his favorite apo or his future doktora. And it’s funny to think that I am writing this
on the 40th day since he left, and I can’t deny the fact that I am crying myself out just to
finish this. It is indeed true that grief has control over the mind, bringing melancholy
ideas and unpleasant memories into a life that was once happy. Grieving is so difficult for
me. If someone would ask me by any chance how I would define grief and loss, I would
totally zone out and cry. It's a good thing I know that grieving over a significant loss is a
normal process. Right now, I cope by coming to his grave and crying and telling him how
tired I am at school or how much I am enjoying school right now because I used to share
my frustrations about everything as well as my achievements when he was alive. It was
our favorite past time. Watching our videos and pictures made me realize that we should
take more photos and videos of our loved ones to keep track of the memories you made
together. Because of this loss, I have learned to value my family more. My Papang Ely
may not be here with us physically, but he will be forever in our hearts.