A Poem for Sir Dodong Gullas

Gratitude is the Most Painful Goodbye.

What is life and what is its purpose? That man has to be burdened and wounded? What does life assume and what do we suppose? Only to be left, lost and stranded? What is the use of all the days and hours? And the many years of much perseverance? If all of man's efforts and labors would lose all the exuberance? What did man accomplish after all? In the harsh battlefields of life? If at the end, all dreams shall fall and aspirations shall die in strife? You used to ask those many questions, in search of philosophy and meaning. And you did find the answer in your mission, the excellence you brought from the beginning.

You taught me that life is not a lake, but at river that always gives. For all that a lake does is to take. The river takes too but gives everything that it receives. You taught me that life is not a cloud but a rainbow. For all that the cloud does is to hide the sun. While the rainbow gives colors to the shadow. And to the sad world some rays of fun. You egged me to ceaselessly write down my thoughts. To express them all days with no pause. You triggered me to the fights I fought. Now that you are gone, can I carry on the cause? You moved me forward to fight with no fears or inhibitions. Hoping that someday I can imbibe your might. To focus on the goal not on the distractions. So that someday, I too can pass on the light.

You taught me how to believe. That in my smallness there was a promise. You guided me how to really live. That my dreams may not end in demise. You had been my brother, friend, and mentor since the activism days of youthful turbulence. I was a rough wood and you were the sculptor. You transformed the roughness into a piece of excellence. Now that you left for a better place sadness engulfs me but with overflowing gratitude. The world without you is a daze. I discover new meanings in my solitude. Your legacy is silent strength and sure confidence. Empowerment amidst my darkest sorrow. Eighty-seven years could not have been a coincidence. Your life of purpose was like a flawless arrow.

Gratitude is indeed the most painful farewell. And yes, goodbye is such a poignant sadness. But not anymore in sorrow shall I dwell. But in the legacies you bestowed with gladness. Perhaps the best way to honor the footsteps you left is to be faithful to UV and The FREEMAN. The best gratitude is loyalty kept. And to emulate your virtues as truly a great man. It shall be difficult sans your presence. The world will never be the same. Losing such a great life diminishes the essence. But our lives were made happier because you came.

Now you are in the bosom of the loving Father, in the company of Nyor Inting and Inday Pining. You dwell in the House like no other. Where there is peace and harmony in everyone and in everything. Remember us, in this world of gloom and doom. And pray to God that we shall survive and prevail. That in our darkest moments hope may bloom. And in our hearts love may dwell. Saying goodbye to you is such a nostalgic feeling. And gratitude is the most painful farewell. May we hear your voice in the twilight calling. And the touch of your hands may we always feel.

What a life you have lived, what many monumental achievements. What a faithful servant to the Lord, what a commendable Filipino. You have followed the path and obeyed the commandments. And served your country well and your fellow Cebuanos. You did your parents proud for what you did for UV beloved. You honored your Uncle Paul with what you did for The FREEMAN. And you enriched the Cebuano culture with Halad sa Buhilaman.

It is not easy to say goodbye to such a wonderful man. The world is full of evil men and jesters. But you came and showed that we still can trust just someone in a jungle of human beasts and wild molesters. Goodbye is such a sweet sorrow for those who deeply love you, countless. Those whose lives you have touched and immensely uplifted. And there are many, many and boundless. The men and women you have so richly gifted.

Goodbye is sad for now but soon no more. Farewell for the moment and thank you, Sir Dodong, for all. I will treasure your memory until I hear your call. I salute your greatness. And I bless your soul.