LORNA C. BUENVIAJE
My Life in the Holy Spirit During the Pandemic
I am a busybody from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. So many things to do with so little time to do everything. I have this compelling feeling to finish all my tasks as soon as possible. These are either tasks in the house or the parish, teaching materials for my husband, and many more things to do. I have always been like Martha of the gospels in many ways.
My late husband, Albert, would always remind me to slow down, learn to prioritize, and take time to rest. Hence, when the announcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine came, I got worried. I wondered how I would go about my tasks since we were not supposed to leave our homes.
But God, through the Holy Spirit, has calmed the anxiety within me. He has shown me that life goes on without the many tasks I was doing. Since Albert and I are empty-nesters, only the two of us in the house plus our helper.
Lockdown
During the lockdown, Albert and I spent the whole time together. We talked about mundane things, reminisced, and reconnected. Most of all, we prayed together. It was as if the Holy Spirit enclosed us in his light. He gave us a tight hug and further strengthened the bond of our marriage.
But without any warning, Albert passed away. I believe that the Holy Spirit was his advocate before God for a swift and painless death. After breakfast, Albert went to our garden to do his usual breathing exercises. Then he called me aloud, saying he was dizzy, and I let him sit down. He vomited, passed out, and was declared dead on arrival at Asian Hospital. I was, of course, inconsolable because everything happened so fast.
Just the night before, Albert even posted on Facebook that we were preparing his virtual classroom. These were for the seminars he was going to conduct online.
Through my grief, the Holy Spirit became my consoler. He let me realize that God loved Albert that He did not let him suffer. Had Albert been revived, he would have stayed in the ICU alone. And with all the tubes attached to him, he would have been very miserable since I would not be allowed to stay with him.
Looking back, the time we spent as a couple during the lockdown was a grace-filled time for us. God gave me this period to focus solely on my husband. He gave it not to have any regrets when he bid Albert to go home to him. I would keep only those precious memories we had together!
So. Full of gratitude, I thank the Holy Spirit for His continuing presence in my life. He is the bringer of peace and the strengthener of the bond in our marriage. He is our advocate and the source of my consolation.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will be with me as I go through my grief in losing a loved one and learning to embrace solitude.
Come Holy Spirit, Come!
Lorna, what a loving tribute to the love and life that you and Albert shared. It is truly a blessing that our God Whom you and Albert both love and served had provided you the time cherished together before calling Albert home.
I do not know Albert well, but during our high school senior year, I delighted in hearing about the budding friendship between the two of you. How wonderful His ways in putting you in each other’s life, to grow in faith, friendship and love.
At the time that we unexpectedly lost our son, I took solace from what an older and wiser friend told me: “The saying that time heals all wounds to the heart – I do not believe it ’heals’ but for me, time makes it easier to deal with”.
May the cherished memories bring you consolation and healing in your own time.
Hugs and love.
Albert’s death may have looked a sad event but it was another miracle through which God has brought tremendous blessings in people’s lives. God has been good to Lorna and Albert; and through them He has touched and blessed so many other people.
In the midst of such pain, how blessed you both are and all in this world whose lives you both touch. May Albert Rest In Peace and God bless you and your family! Thankyou for sharing!
I have not had the privilege of meeting Lorna but I have fond memories of the low-key well-respected Albert of Ateneo GSB. I feel for her as my husband passed away in his sleep beside me one early morning too, fifteen years ago, with no chance to say our good-byes to each other. The grief of losing a good loving husband will never leave but knowing he is in a better place, in God’s bosom, is consoling. My spiritual director told me if I wished to speak to him, I should light a candle in your dark quiet room and he’d be there. To this day when I feel alone and lonely I do as he advised. I pray it works for you too, Lorna. Virtual sincere hugs.
I’m so inspired when I read faith stories like yours, Lorna. Strengthens my own Faith, takes away my own doubts & fears. Losing our loved ones makes dying less dreadful – it means re-uniting with them. Dying means a Joyful Reunion! And there’s no more separation – Together Forever! Albert just went ahead to prepare a place for you, with Jesus!
Lorna, the Holy Spirit has always been in your life with Albert. You lived with Albert the gifts of the Holy Spirit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”. As you said, “the Holy Spirit was his advocate before God for a swift and painless death.” God cannot be outdone in generosity. Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful life with Albert.
Dear Lorna,
We, your UST High School classmates, were happy witnesses to the Albert-Lorna love story that blossomed from puppy love to one true, eternal love. You guys were inseparable, an ideal match, much like bacon and eggs, burger and fries, etc. Albert may be gone now, but the love you shared (with each other, your family, and the people around you) will leave a memory that will never die. We love both of you forever!
Your life together was truly a testament of God’s love and care.
What a very touching tribute this is Lorna .This will serve as an inspiration to so many who are experiencing the same !
Please know in your heart that we are here for you ; your USTHS68 batchmates . Take care ! With love from me,
Ging
Comments are closed.