A Eulogy to Zayber

It has been months since Zayber passed away. Never to return and never to see us again. He is now taking his much awaited vacation. Away from everyone, away from the demands of clients, work and colleagues. 

Below is the Eulogy that I prepared for Zayber's necrological service. 

I dreamt of Sir Z last night. I was in his house with my daughter and husband and when I saw him, I told him: “Sir Z, we invaded your house” with a smirk he replied, “That’s fine” and he went on to search in a bunch of keys.

The events that transpired since last week was not at all normal. I had to attend to a meeting Monday morning of the 13^th with a heavy heart knowing that he is undergoing an operation. Although he texted me day before that he will be calling on sick last Monday, the news that he suffered a stroke was an unwelcomed news that no one wanted to hear. I went on to face a prospective client whom he already spoke with and was expecting to meet Zayber that day. The client got lost on his way to the office and was more so irritated that Zayber was not around. I knew that time that Sir Z was there guiding me in the meeting.

That same night in the hospital, we met his family. His wife, Ms. Sally, his mother, his cousin Ms. Shirley and the brothers of Ms.Sally, Sir Len and Leo (I hope I got your names right). 

We may have lost Sir Z in an untimely manner, but we also gained new friends through him. Our faces may be too familiar to his family right now and may even be referred as Sir Z’s groupies. Sir Z, we invaded your personal space in this untimely hour and we became friends with your family. It is quite unfortunate that this had to happen at this awkward moment. 

We may have known your Ms. Sally, Tammy and Sam through your stories which you are so fond of telling. But this time they are no longer names,they are your family whom we have seen and talked with for the past days.We will miss you, Sir Z. Your untimely death has brought us tears more so to your family. We may not be able to replace you with your family, but your remaining days here on earth has introduced us to your family and us to them. 

We celebrate your life, as a husband to Ms. Sally as a Tatay to Tammy and Sam, as a mentor, a colleague and a friend to us your Isla Lipana family. We will miss your booming voice and your quirks. I know you are tired, and days before all this happened you shared with me your thoughts: that "sometimes you want to throw everything away”. With your death you are not throwing everything away, we are here to live your life and celebrate it.Cheers Zayber and travel well.

My eyes were devoid of tears as I read this piece. But my heart was in deep pain while I was reading this knowing that he is no longer there. Knowing that when I report for work, Sir Z is no longer there. 

I am coping, struggling and still understanding God's plan for him. 

We miss you Sir Z.