Friday, October 26, 2007
I read about this letter from the chuvaness' blog and after reading it I cried. I felt truly sad about this.
Good day everyone,
I wish I were writing under different circumstances.
I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the
casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She
was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at
230pm.
I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our
daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We
then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting
in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to
some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park
Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of
the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards
the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.
Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit
just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta
1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard
2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my
heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same
place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was,
but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.
I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that
after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it
in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng
Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the
people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the
state of my wife was.
My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a
doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of
doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead
of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small
examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to
confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.
I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran
instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I
should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...
Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone
wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie
beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking
for her Mama.
I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I
would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more
importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving
person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared
for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time
mom and home maker.
As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not
going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4
years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken
away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me
and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.
It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails
being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here
is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple
to say, very easy to take for granted.
Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please
include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom
is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.
Sincerely,
Carlo Cruz
Please help spread this letter... Whatever is the real reason behind the Glorietta 2 explosion, only one thing is definite. That lives were lost and more than a hundred were injured. I just hope that this horrible thing will never ever happen again. And for the mall owner's and management out there, may this serve as a lesson and a reminder to always prioritize safety and security over and above anything else.
