My memories of Canada will always be filled with memories of Jesse. Whenever we go out while here in Manila, my driver or I will be the one to drive or take him around. However, it was the other way around in Vancouver. He will always be the one driving. The first time my whole family went to Canada, it was Jesse who picked us up from the airport. The first time we went sightseeing around Vancouver, it was Jesse who drove us. I cannot forget this because he even brought us to the ugly part of the city, the “skid row” as he called it. The first time we crossed the US border via Vancouver, it was Jesse, together with Edna, who brought us. Funny that he always was driving in Vancouver but I don’t think he ever drove here in Manila.
Jesse and I formed an unusual bond because of one thing we had in common. We both have a family of all girls. We both have 3. So, we would exchange notes on: how it is to travel as the only one carrying all the luggage and balikbayan boxes; how it is to wait patiently while they are shopping at the mall; how it is to be the only driver even on a 10 hour drive stretch; how it is to watch all those chick flicks, and never having anybody to go with to a barber shop or watch war movies. I guess fathers of families of only daughters always form a special affinity towards each other.
Another thing we had in common was our fondness for unusual email messages. Jesse and I always tried to outdo each other in finding all those unusual messages that we forward to all our friends who are contacts in our address books. If you are one of those who always got those funny or unusual email messages from Jesse, chances are, some of those were from me that he forwarded to you, as some of my friends also got messages from me that were originally from Jesse. I will miss these email messages that I got from Jesse.
What else shall I miss from Jesse? I will miss his fondness for food. As you can see, I love food and so does Jesse. He and I would always exchange notes on where the best new restaurant is. I will also miss his wry sense of humor. I will also miss making “male chismis” about politicos and celebrities with him. He and I are suckers for political and showbiz “chismis.” I will miss making vacation plans with him... We always talk about going to Bohol or Palawan or Boracay together. Too bad that we can no longer turn any of these plans into reality...
Jesse’s passing away was very sudden. I remember when I heard the news I was in Orlando, Florida with my girls to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary last April 23. On that very day this year, April 23, as I dropped my girls in Disney World, I got a text asking for prayers for Jesse as he was in coma because of a stroke. I simply could not believe it. It seemed to me that Jesse was invincible. He always looked so fit and healthy. Then, a few minutes after that, I get another text saying that Jesse had just passed. I was shocked! At 62 (he’s turning 63 November yet) Jesse was still too young to leave us. But when I thought about it, it slowly occurred to me and I realized that Jesse already lived his life wonderfully. He has a wonderful family who are all achievers in their own right. He has provided well for them. He is well loved and he had indeed done so many things here on earth.
When I got details of his passing, I was glad that it happened after one of the best things that he and Edna liked to do. Jesse and Edna loved going shopping in Bellingham every Tuesday because it is seniors’ discount day. Even when he would drive for us, he will always say... let’s go on a Tuesday! I am sure that Jesse up there in heaven will smile when I say... “Pare, you gave a new meaning to the phrase... shop till you drop!”
Now, I have another thing in common with Jesse: the importance of the date April 23... To me, this is the day that I got married and to Jesse, this is the date that he joined our Lord in heaven. To end, I just want all you to know that I will forever be grateful to have known Jesse Corrales. All the memories I have shared with him will always be cherished and remembered. Jesse will forever live in my heart... good-bye my friend, till we meet again!
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