I woke up on the first day of my most awaited Holy Week break with tears in eyes.

When one of my best friends passed away, I never had those “paradam” or hunted stories. After the pasiyam or 9-day novena made for Anna, I never felt any signs of encounters from her. I was all sad and silently grieving over the past weeks. There was no day that she wouldn’t enter my mind. I was always reminded of the thought I lost one great friend and a lifetime wouldn’t be even enough for me to forget her.

A few days ago, I dreamt of Anna. We were in our usual meet up, in a mall that hosts a sale of our favorite branded items. Our usual scene, I was busy browsing at shoes and bags while Anna is patiently following me. After some time, Anna called my attention. She told me that she needs to go. The exact words she uttered was, “Diane, kailangan ko ng umakyat. Kailangan ko ng umalis.” (Diane, I need to go ahead. I need to leave.) I held her hands and told her “Sige umalis ka na. Pagdating mo doon i-hug mo ako para sa Lola ko ha.” (You can go ahead, Anna. But when you get there, please don’t forget to hug my grandma for me.) I woke up crying. 

It was only a dream but everything felt so real. If that was God and Anna’s way of telling me that she is in a better place right now, then I will do my share of letting go. I will try my best to let go of a best friend, who was and will continue to become a part of my life. You maybe gone, but your memories will remain with me forever Anna. You will always be the one and special Anna in my heart.