I’m not sure if I have be thankful, but I guess there is always something to be thankful about, in every situation.

My Father-in-law (FIL) passed away yesterday; we all knew he was in pain from his ailment and sooner or later his body will succumb, but somehow … when it happens you’re never ever prepared for it. Never. Well, at least we weren’t.

However, this post is supposed to be a post where I should be thankful, and indeed, I am thankful for a lot of things. I am thankful …

• … that my MIL and FIL raised their children to be God-fearing and be sensitive to other people’s feelings.
• … that I had the chance to know my FIL for quite some time.
• … that my son also had the chance to know Grandpa (my FIL), and vice versa.
• … that even though we didn’t really see things eye to eye, I know that my FIL loves us -his children/family- dearly and did his best to make us all happy and contented with what we have.
• … that my FIL was with his loved ones when he passed away.
• … that my FIL was happy serving the Lord for years before he got sick, and so maybe the idea that he might be leaving us might not be so frightening to him. though we were completely unprepared.
• … that my parents got to meet my in-laws, and that they have always been in good terms with each other.
• … that my MIL is sorrounded by family and friends … i really can’t imagine myself being in her position right now.
• … that my FIL lived a full life; one that he knows to be good and just.
• … that i have this chance to say how much i really appreciated my FIL … though i never did get to tell him all that.
• … mostly, that at least now we know that he isn’t hurting physically anymore … he will always be with us. forever.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:4)

For more Thankful Thursday posts, head on over to Iris’ Sting My Heart.

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September 11, 2001:

15 Filipinos who died when the towers collapsed that day:

Grace Alegre-Cua, 40, Glen Rock, N.J.
Cesar A. Alviar, 60, Bloomfield, N.J.
Marlyn C. Bautista, 46, Iselin, N.J.
Cecile M. Caguicla, 55, Boonton, N.J.
Jayceryll M. de Chavez, 24, Carteret, N.J.

Benilda Pascua Domingo, 37, New York, N.Y.
Ramon Grijalvo, 58
Frederick Kuo, 53, Great Neck, N.Y.
Arnold A. Lim, 28, New York, N.Y.
Manuel L. Lopez, 54, Jersey City, N.J.

Carl Allen Peralta, 37, New York, N.Y.
Rufino Conrado F. (Roy) Santos, 37, New York, N.Y.
David Marc Sullins, 30, New York, N.Y.
Hilario Soriano (Larry) Sumaya, 42, New York, N.Y.
Hector Tamayo, 51, New York, N.Y.

I never personally knew any one of the victims, but just because I don’t know them doesn’t mean i can’t mourn for the way they left us …
What happened then shouldn’t be forgotten, since it should serve as a lesson to us all that terrorism shouldn’t be cuddled. Think of all the families affected that day … families located around the globe!

It happened around 5 years ago (going on 6 this year), but still … the wound still feels fresh. Nothing we say or do can ever make them come back to us. Paying tribute to those who passed away is my own way of dealing with the situation, as well as honoring those who died that day.

May they all rest in peace …
and may their deaths never be in vain.

(first saw this list on this site.)