Hope springs eternal
We were at a loss for words when our family entered the chapel to pay our respects to Mon and Monica Eugenio’s son Franco, 3, nephew Anton, 2, and mother Daisy who had passed away when their boat turned over during a trip at Puerto Galera. I cannot say I completely understand how Monica, who was my classmate in grade school at De La Salle Zobel, must feel, I only know how painful it must be for her to lose her youngest child. The last time I saw her was at their newly opened restaurant, Myron’s at Rockwell, Power Plant Mall. She had just given birth and was still nursing her baby Franco. All I could offer her was a big hug. She was her usual calm self as she glanced at the three coffins in front of us, as if it was all just a dream. How I wished the scene was not real.
She told me she did not want to go to that vacation, but her desire to honor her husband and not make it difficult for him made her go. My children kept whispering to me how sad they were about the tragedy and how blessed they felt being safe from all our travels this summer.
Our hearts went out to Mon who was in tears after Anthony, who was his batchmate at La Salle Greenhills, embraced him. The sight of two grown men weeping was just too hard to bear. As we listened intently to the stories that were shared about what actually transpired, Mon made a request. He asked our help to get the word out for people to make a donation to Bahay Pag-asa instead of sending them flowers. He said he knows that what happened to his family happened for a reason. That if people gave for a cause, then his son’s death would have a purpose.
The Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center has been the recipient of LSGH Batch ‘82’s projects and Mon desires to continue giving to that cause. The center inaugurated its latest facility at De La Salle University’s Damariñas campus last January 19. Its goal is not only to house young offenders but also to transform them into productive contributors to society.
To support the Eugenios’ cause, go to www.bahaypagasapldtsmartfoundation.org and keep the hopes alive for their dearly beloved who are now safely home in heaven.
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E-mail author at mommymaricel@gmail.com.
