Safe and sound

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye

We miss you, Polybeb. I should be happy that you don't feel pain anymore, that you are somewhere far better than traffic-jammed and smog-filled Earth, and that you must be playing with my baby sister Kim right now. But all I can feel is a bitter pang, filling my heart with resounding reminders that I will never be able to hug you again.

During your wake, Mich asked me what my song for you is, and I answered it's a toss-up between Taylor Swift's Safe and Sound and Mariah Carey's Bye Bye. The former carries more meaning though, as I watched the Hunger Games movie for the third time just so I can accompany you. When your niece played a video montage of your photos and used it as the first song, I just lost it. I miss you so much, and I am deeply saddened about the fact you won't be around when the movie versions of Catching Fire and Mockingjay come out.

A lot of your friends, relatives, former classmates and officemates went to your wake to pay their final respects and say their last goodbyes, and it's amazing to see how many people are grieving for you. You touched so many lives with your effervescent spirit, and maybe the thing I am most sad about is that if I will be blessed with future kids, they won't have a Tita Poly to play with anymore.

Ian and Chris | Mich and Chao | me and Asther

We aim to continue celebrating your life. You have added so much to the sum of delight in our worlds, and we are very grateful. You will never be truly gone, as I know you are now among the stars, lending your sparkle and continuing to give light. We love you Poly, and we will miss you and your smiles forever. "Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now..."