Fragile

Last night, I found out that the daughter of a former colleague of mine in the Philippines passed away. She was only 17 years old.

It is devastating. I watched this girl grow up. She would often come to the office, a smile always on her face. She would be at our Christmas parties, and other special events. It always felt like we were all family at the College of Computer Studies in Silliman University, so hearing what happened is just unbelievable. I can't even fathom how devastated her mother must be.

I don't have the complete details but the doctors say it was congenital brain aneurysm. She was out with her classmates on Monday night when she suddenly fainted. She went into a coma and never woke up. Around two days later, she'd passed away.

Events like this make you realize how fleeting and bittersweet life can be. In fact, it can be downright scary. But I guess it is also moments like this that motivate us to treasure our loved ones and live life to the fullest.

In a Viber conversation, my friend Charina said it best: "We are so fragile. God is our only strength."

Rest in peace, Rouellyn.