The news shocked me when my eldest sister in a hoarse voice told me that our grandfather passed away due to the complications in the respiratory system resulting to emphysema. I was really in a state of shock that suddenly tears began to rolling to my cheeks. I was speechless then as if my throat was dried instantly. I found myself alone in the bedroom while my siblings are preparing themselves to go to the hospital. Questions began to fill my mind not knowing why did it happen to my grandfather? He was very kind and understanding grandfather to me. Why he has to die so unexpectedly when things that I promised for him began to shape up? Why him? Why now?
Another thing that bothers me when we confined him in the hospital for almost two weeks, I seldom visited him and sometimes, too lazy to do so. My alibi? There are lots of things to do in school, so many projects to be done, etc. But as much as possible, I really do pray for him a lot while he is still in the hospital. And when he died, my conscience bothers. Did I really forsake my grandfather in the moment of his agony? I then keep on blaming myself for not being with my grandfather during his last agony but soon I prayed to the Lord, and he made me reflect that I didn't really abandoned my grandfather at all. Physically I wasn't there when he gave up his last breath but spiritually I am with him through my prayers.
Since he was diagnosed with emphysema six months before he died, I asked the Lord not to take my grandfather so soon. A person with emphysema usually lives only for two to three months. The Lord may have been listening at that time that He allowed my grandfather to live for seven more months prior to the doctor's diagnosis. He may already be gone but the works of prayer granted during those times and still kept believing me that is it is truly powerful and an effective armor when things go uncertain. Until now, I still pray for my grandfather's soul. I really miss him very much...
