Beloved Juan Miguel

From the moment they announced that you were coming, I was one of those who were so excited to see you. I considered your arrival as one of the most wonderful things on earth – a gift from heaven for both your father and mine. I was so excited. I even told your parents that they could occupy the other room in my apartment as soon as you come out.

And then you came. And you made all of us cry. And then you made all of us smile and laugh. And then you made us cry again. You are a fighter from the very beginning – a feisty fighter at that. I prayed so hard for you to live. We prayed so hard. We even asked people to pray for your fast recovery. I even asked the hospital admission staff to pray for you. I asked almost all the people I met this afternoon to pray for you. I hope you live. I really really hope you live.

For the very short time that I have known you, I know that you are a brave young heart. And that you are a brave young soul ready to fight for life.

We wanted to stay with you at the nursery ward but they would not let us. They just allowed me to take pictures of you. When I arrived here in Bicutan, I bought a Chocolait. I drank it for you, for all the milk that you were supposed to drink since yesterday. I had a simple toast in my head, I think I said, “Cheers to Life!”

I will be your super cheerleader aunt. I will be here for you. I will be your most loving Tita Ninang because I will really volunteer to be your godmother, I don’t care if they don’t want me to be your ninang because I will just volunteer or I will just designate myself as one. Basta, I will be here for you. Just please live. I love you so much already. I will be waiting for you to get out of the hospital healthy and so much in love with God. I will wait for you to play with Carlo and with our other cousins. Just please live. I love you so much Miggy. Please don't ever let go.

Love,

Tita Ninang