From my daughter's blog earlier this year:

TWO GREAT MEN

"Life has been particularly hard lately...almost cruel-like. 

    No one should have to lose a brother to war.  No one should have to lose such a great guy as David.  It's been 3 months and the feeling of loss is still at times overwhelming.  I think about him everyday and how much I wish he was still here...there was so much left for him to do still.  He was supposed to run the "Amazing Race" with Patrick, or climb a mountain with his best friend Jason, or build me my dream crafter's table, or build his parents that wrap around porch he's always talked about, or play with his future nieces/nephews, or give me a great sister-in-law, or make some other kid more smart at West Point, or bring another soul to God.  I guess that is the selfish side of me, I want him back so everybody can quit hurting.  Every family get together is a reminding that David is missing.  It's hard to understand why or see the big picture when your world is consumed by the present feeling of hurt and loss.

 

  No one should have to lose a Grandpa.  He was 81 but his stroke took everyone by surprise.  I know that our family has been blessed that up until now, death has not touched our inner circle.  My Grandpa was not some old man that spent his time in retirement doing nothing but watching tv.  He couldn't even retire because not working drove him crazy.  He was still a practicing physician in his own clinic, giving health lectures to anyone who would listen, and praying with every patient who entered his exam room.  There were many times when I was working as his receptionist that patient after patient would emerge from the room with tears in their eyes, and they would turn to me and tell me I must feel so lucky to have him as a Grandpa.  I wish I would have taken more pride in that...I wish I hadn't taken him for granted.  I was foolish to think he would live on forever.  This man was the patriarch of the Cabansag clan...my clan.  There was nothing but love and respect for him.  As I sat in the hospital room with all of the family surrounding his bed, my eyes were finally opened.  Outsiders always thought our family was rich, despite the fact that we all worked hard and led humble lives.  My grandpa did not work to make money for himself, he worked to be a servant to God.  But I realized that Sunday that our family was indeed rich.  The love that our family holds for each other is gold.  My grandparents worked hard to make sure our family stayed close to them and to each other.  The loss and pain was shared by all and there was comfort in that. 



   My Grandpa at 81 was a great man...there is no doubt there.  He built a legacy for his family...for me.  David at 25 was also a great man.  My hope is that we will all take something from the lives of these two men.  They both led a life of servitude towards God and man.  They were both leaders to the people around them.  My Grandpa was always telling us to lead our life as an example to others, to show them Jesus.  David never went anywhere without his Bible or Cross and he wore a WWJD bracelet.

  I believe the only way to crawl out of this deep hole of sadness is to embrace the lives these two led and find a way to make their spirits a part of our daily lives.  Take their lives and lead by example...take my brother Jason's challenge and take a risk!  Lead a fearless life...eat your fruits and vegetables...run a marathon...pray without ceasing...climb a mountain...start a garden...go on a mission...go fly fishing...do something for someone else without them asking for help...go on a cruise...play the drums...quit cursing...sing a hymn...write a song...fix a car...have sundown worship with your family...sing for a nursing home...and the list can go on and on.

Life can be cruel...but it can be full of hope too."