Today, I stand before all of you to share, on behalf of the other cousins, memories and thoughts about Cousin Davy Lan Joseph Aguelo Perez, who , at 43, was too young to die.
In the days since the 7th of December when I learnt of the shocking, tragic death of my cousin, I started a simple iMessage group chat with my siblings and cousins to keep them updated on what was happening at, what can be best described, as Ground Zero. As I updated the group, our messages went back and forth between the facts as these unfolded, to stories of our shared memories… Our many shared memories of Lan…
We will always remember Lan's laughter, his ever present smile, and his donald duck hat …
Let me explain… The Donald Duck hat is a memory from our childhood. One day someone, presumably Uncle Jun and Auntie Baby, decided to shave young Davy Lan's hair. In reaction, Lan started to wear this Donald Duck hat and, as I was looking through his pictures in recent days, I realized that though the hat or cap changed in time, Lan almost always wore a hat. Clearly, a habit from childhood.
Lan … I want you to know that … your siblings and cousins will also always remember na pag ikaw ang taya sa tumbang preso or taguan, tatakbo ka kay Uncle Jun or kay Lolo shouting, complaining about unfairness. And, you would always come back to us drinking Pepsi while we were left thirsty from running around the yard in UP Village!!!
Of course, as years passed, you grew up. Your family moved to Samoa, we heard of the honors you achieved in the primary and secondary schools. Later, you qualified for a tennis scholarship at the Chaminade University of Hawaii and eventually decided to come to the Philippines and study at the University of the Philippines.
In adult life, as everyone knows, you worked in a call center and, from what I could see and hear from people, you were well-liked by friends and officemates for your fun-loving and easy-going nature. You also found time to do sports, a passion from childhood, and was team captain, head coach and commissioner of the Manila Softball League.
Talking to your friends, we have come to realize that you were a good and loving Dad to your son Kaleb! How we, all the cousins, wish we that had that opportunity to let you know na may Pepsi pa at puwede pa mag-laro at, don't worry, si James .. at hindi ikaw, ang taya!
Lan, it is really sad that you had to go this soon. We will miss you!
I speak for all the cousins when I say this: we will do our best to stand by you.
To everyone here, Uncle Jun, Tita Baby, Geraldine, James, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends … To Lan's loved ones (look at Joanne) especially to his son Kaleb (look at him), let's all take comfort in the promise that the Good Lord loves righteousness and justice and that the earth is full of his unfailing love.
So long, Cousin Lan. May you rest in peace.
- Cybel, on behalf of Lan's other cousins, Jun, Missy, Ria, Tessa, Kareena, Roel, and Ronan
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