Remembering Clay

We know that goodbyes are never easy, they never will be. Even if we know that letting go may mean allowing them to go to a better place, a greener pasture, eternal bliss, still, when confronted with the finality of things, we buckle and cling, and try to hold on, until we wake up to the reality that we are lading them down when they need to be free.

So I bid farewell to a dear friend, Clayton Tugonon.  Artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, photographer, adventurer, hard worker, freedom advocate, leader, excellent husband, naughty and nice, mischievous and playful, spontaneous!

For those of us who knew Clay, we may have tucked a few good memories of him in our hearts. Allow me to list a few of the things I picked up from him.

On marriage: Love your spouse with all they are, for they love you with all you are. Be present in your conversations because that is where you are needed most. Build a home you want to go live in, not because it is cozy, but because you both make it cozy. Things may fill your house, but the best thing that fills you is the only thing that matters, your wife. Allow each one to grow and pursue each other’s dreams, you will know that in spite of your different interests, you both enjoy the difference.

On living: Life is simple, until you make it complicated.Choose the sunrise and the sunset, they are just one sun with different perspectives of light and life. Opt to be kind, even when you sometimes have to be mean to be so. Never give up the chance to help, even if you grumble, rant, complain, and protest, what matters is, you do it while you can. Time rans fast, do not stay where you cannot use it well.

On friendship: Be real and spontaneous. Real friends know what you mean whether you say it softly or loudly. It is better to be candid, and be understood, than careful and be misconstrued. Friendships are built, not on the number of times you meet but on the trust you commit. Show your passion, there is nothing wrong with it!

On faith: God is the master we serve. We do our best because it is He who sees what we do and why we do it. Exercise your faith by starting with those you see in need. Be grateful, all your talents come from Him.

So go dear friend may God meet you with His word in Matthew 25:21 “Well done good and faithful servant” for as it is also said in Timothy 4:7 you can say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”