LEO

Minutes have turned into hours and hours have turned into days but the memory of my late friend Leo Estoesta is becoming more vivid. And for the people whose lives he touched, the longing for him is deepening.

In astrology, a person under the sign Leo or a lion is described as generous and one who does things in style. He has an inherent call to rule and not to accept defeat easily. He shows kindness and helps anyone in need although he avoids asking for help himself. A lion is dutiful and is rarely selfish. True to his zodiac sign, Leo embodied these qualities.

He was an outrageous optimist. Sometimes, he was the funny guy who makes everybody laugh for he finds humor in almost everything. Sometimes, he was the silent guy with an easy smile that was enough to lighten a bad day.

But Leo also has a deeper side. Seven months ago, I joined him and his girlfriend in celebrating their First Anniversary. During that time, he talked a lot and even acted out his stories in full drama (Buhuhoooh!). Then he turned into an adviser, telling us things that we should or should not do and should do more often.

You see, Leo had gone through difficult times in his life. He had almost hit rock bottom and had reached the depths of desperation. However, he surpassed this and dreamt anew. He became determined to graduate from college and help out in improving the lives of his parents and siblings. He loved his family this much.

I once thought that Leo was the luckiest guy ever. He was loved by the girl of his dreams and with the blessings of his parents, they vowed to keep that love wherever it may take them. However, fate intervened and tragedy broke them apart. But at least, they were always together…until his last breath.

We will never see Leo again. We will never hear his jokes or have the chance to laugh at them. We will never get another advice from him. These days are indeed more painfully silent. But we know that now, he is with God and that he is happy.

Leo may have died young but he will continue to exist in people whom he shared his life with so unselfishly. Like the gentle lion that he was, he made for himself a permanent abode in our hearts.