Happy Birthday was his last words to me. I didn’t expect him to go so soon. Everything felt like a nightmare, which I hope it was. When dad called me at 2.04 AM, he told me Jonathan is in critical condition and said he’s not going to make it.
He was still okay when I visited him earlier before I went home to rest and I know something is terribly wrong when dad called at odd hours. So he asked my mum and me quickly come to the hospital as soon as I can which I did. Only God knows how fast I drove as I can only remember I beat 3 traffic lights along the way, wanting to see him for one last time before he make his final breath.
Yeah I know it’s dangerous and I could get myself in trouble but I couldn’t care anymore, well not at 2 something in the morning. However, the effort was futile because Jonathan was already pronounced dead when I arrived at the hospital. I began to blame myself because I should have stayed there for a night. At least I can bid him goodbye before he make his way to Heaven.
A few days earlier, Jonathan told me he dreamt of a man who was waiting for him on the other side. I did not ask him if the man he saw is Jesus. But Jonathan said the ceiling was split into half and the man was sitting on a helicopter wearing white. The man began to drop his rope, asked Jonathan whether he’s prepared to leave. Jonathan told him he’s not prepared yet because he wants to see every one before he leaves. So the man said yes and told him he’ll come back later. His condition improves after that dream.
Unsurprisingly, I wept profusely when I saw Jonathan’s motionless body and I hugged him one final time before the mortician came. He passed away at 2.22 am, his eyes was open and the expression on his face was sad. I cried, hugged and kept saying sorry to him for not being there on time before he died. I know everything I said to him at that moment is useless, but I still did. I began to regain my senses and accepted the fact that Jonathan is no longer with us. Apart from missing his presence, my family and I agreed that he’s at a better place now, freed from his 6 years suffering.
One side of me was sad that he had to leave us so soon, at the age of 22. His time line was 6th of June 1985 - 2nd of July 2007. Another side of me was happy that he no longer have to suffer. After waking up from my deep sleep, I almost forgotten he already passed away, thinking he’s still in his room. Sadly, he didn’t get to enjoy his new air-conditioned room because he never came home after being admitted to the hospital. I wept again.
He was a very brave young man, has been battling with his disease since he was 16. Most of his patient mates have died in their 1st and 2nd year of their treatment and most of them are teenagers but Jonathan lasted for 6 good years while ventured into his adulthood before he suffer relapse 2 months ago. Rest in peace Jonathan, I’ll take care of papa, mama, and Andrew.
Technorati Tags: Jonathan, Death, Goodbye, cancer, Stairways to Heaven, Rest in Peace
