“I have to keep it for myself. I don’t want them to worry.”
Maria, an 18-year-old senior high school student from a well known school in the city, is a woman gifted with an angelic voice. She happens to be the lead singer of the school’s choir since she is the only person who can reach high notes. Maria is also a guitar master. She’s just so good that once she strums her guitar, you will never dare to ignore and miss her play and sing. Her talents were such a blessing that it made her go to school without paying even a single cent. Why is that? Maria got a full scholarship for joining the choir.
At her young age, Maria learned not to be dependent on her parent’s salary. She is a student by day and working as a professional singer by night. Busy schedule, isn’t it? But she managed to live this kind of life for five years, and she’s enjoying it actually. Guests who have come to the resto were impressed on how she performs and sings their requested songs.
It was going smoothly all along, when . . .
One day, Maria felt something was wrong with her. She started to see dark spots all over her body. At first she was just thinking that she might have bumped into something that it gives her all those bruises. Then things got even worse when she felt dizzy almost all the time. Scared as she may be, but she tried to have her doctor check her health – alone. It was later found out that Maria has Leukemia.
“This might affect you but you have to know this. You have leukemia Maria”, the doctor said.
“I know everything happens for a reason,” she uttered.
In spite of what she was told, Maria continued to live a normal life. The sad part of it was that she had no intention of letting her family know about her situation. All she wanted is to stay happy and that she will not be treated differently.
One day, a well known personality from the music industry discovered her amazing skills in singing, and so she was offered to work with her. It was indeed a great opportunity for her to be known and get popular, but Maria refused the offer.
Things went from bad to worse in a matter of days.
Her family got so concerned that they wanted to have her checked, and again Maria insisted not to. It wasn’t easy for her to accept what was happening, but she has to stay strong for her family.
After six months Maria was brought to the hospital, and her family found out that she’s sick. It was so devastating for her mom to know that her daughter is dying. But all she can do now is to stay strong and not give Maria the reason to be sad.
“Mom, I will be gone soon. But for now, let us all be happy and let me live normally,” Maria requested.
Maria spent the remaining days of her life at home with her family. Her mom taught her a lot of songs which she tries to sing it in front of them. Imagine a mother’s feeling when her precious child that she carried for 9-months will be out her sight soon. That while her daughter was singing, she will try to hold her tears and pretend to be happy. That as much as she wanted to be with her daughter a little longer, everything is out of her control now.
Maria turned 19 and her situation worsens. She’s got three more months to live.
“Mom, Dad, I am leaving soon. I know you’re going to miss me, but I’m going to be with you every day. I will still be your baby,” said Maria.
Maria was again sent to the hospital with her oxygen on and she’s too weak now. Still she managed to smile and talk with her family.
“You take care always huh? I love you all. Mom, I am sleepy. Can I take a nap?” asked Maria.
“Of course, I’ll just wake you up later, okay?” her mom said.
Then Maria smiled, held her mom and dad’s hands, and closed her eyes.
And she’s gone.
