If there were, even for just a moment, a direct line to heaven and you had the chance to speak with those who are no longer here, who would you call? And what would you tell them?
Dial
For those who have lost someone important, the thought of reconnecting feels like a chance—maybe to find comfort, seek closure, or simply share small talk about life. Which is why, we yearn to have those conversations with the people who meant the most to us.
A person who cherished the memories of her late father, chose to dial them. Meanwhile, the other who missed their life savior, wanted to speak with their Nanay.
Regardless of how long they’ve been gone, the opportunity of having a conversation will always be a heartfelt way to find comfort. This idea isn’t about clinging to what is gone; rather, it’s about learning to carry their memories with us and remembering that even after someone leaves, their presence continues to be a piece of our life puzzle.
In-Call
During these moments, as we come to terms with our loss, we realize that cherishing someone also means embracing the pain that eventually follows. Sometimes, when we least expect it, grief hits us like a wave crashing over us, becoming the only thing that we see and feel. This instance is like another reminder from life that love is always intertwined with sorrow.
Often, we yearn to carry their memories with us the curve of their brightest smiles, the sound of their laugh that became music to our ears, their favorite movies, their comfort music, and the food that brings comfort to them. Yet, those things even if we deny it are slowly fading, like a distant echo. The thought of hearing their voice again, recalling their embrace, and the comfort of their familiar words becomes a pathway to healing, a way to feel their presence still surrounding us.
A friend who longed to speak with her dad shared how deeply she wanted to embrace him again, to express how she missed and loved him. Even after all these years, she vividly remembers his warm and comforting smile as he took care of their family. Above all, she fondly reminisces their cherished memories together. Especially the way her dad carried her to school, wishing to turn back the time to experience it once again.
With this, it is crucial to understand that grief is a journey filled with twists and turns, never a straight path. Each person experiences grief uniquely, and navigating through the difficult stages of shock, denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance, aren’t milestones to check off a list. They come and go like waves, sometimes returning with even greater intensity, reminding us that healing is not linear and we need to sit with the pain.
As we go through these stages, there are countless moments we wish we could relive. Another friend of mine longed to witness her Nanay’s smile once again. It’s as if she wishes to find a time machine and relive how her grandmother would wave each time they visited. Her Nanay, who loved to give to others rather than to receive, is tattooed in her heart. She yearns to have more Sundays, where the whole family could gather at home once more, sharing laughter and love together.
The ways they coped with their loss are as unique as their relationships with those they’ve lost. One friend found solace in listening to her grandmother’s favorite song, keeping her memory alive through the beautiful rhythm. Whenever she hears it on a random day in the most unexpected time, a smile spreads across her face while recalling how much her Nanay loved it. This small string of connection allows her to feel her loved one’s presence.
Reflecting on how we might speak to them once again brings a strong sense of comfort— imagining their response knowing what they would say if they could. Perhaps, they would say, “Don’t be so hard on yourself,” or encourage us to “Keep going. I’m proud of you.” Even if we don’t hear those words spoken out loud, if they’re merely whispered into our minds, they would still linger in our hearts as they hold a special place that’s reserved only for them.
Disconnected
So, if there is indeed a line to heaven, hesitation would cease to exist. Let this connection remind us of the most precious memories we hold dearly. After all, if we can find comfort this way, why wouldn’t we? These quiet conversations possessed a unique power to help us release pain, guilt, and regret, allowing us to move forward through healing.
Because healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Instead, it means embracing the memories that shaped us, honoring the love we shared, and allowing ourselves to grow while still holding our loved ones close in our hearts. It’s about finding a way to carry their essence with us, so that even in our pain, we can celebrate the joy they brought to our lives.
Article: Franchesca Grace Adriano
Graphics: Kent Bicol
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