The Cries of My Soul
The Resiliency of the Human Spirit
by
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Melissa then asked me, "Papa is it okay with you to stay with me and sleep in my room?" I immediately responded, "Of course, Lis, I'd be happy to".
During the next few months, I slept on the floor next to Melissa's bed and, on several occasions, she would ask me to hold her hand which,
I thought, provided her with some feeling of comfort and security as she would quickly fall asleep while still holding my hand.
Even Bobby was just a few months old, there were a few times when we had to take him with us to the hospital during Melissa's treatment and regular check-up.
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However, it was in early June of that year that Dr. Ryan informed us of the incredibly sad news that Melissa's body was no longer responding positively to the new experimental protocol and that Melissa would continue to have leukemic cells in her system. We again felt so numb and, for a moment, completely speechless. We just found ourselves crying hysterically.
Dr. Ryan then said, "The last resort will be a bone marrow transplant and you have all of your family members do a blood test to find out if there is a match for a potential donor". She further went on by saying, "The transplant can only be done if Melissa is in remission".
Dr. Ryan also mentioned that she will be leaving the hospital within a month and that Dr. Nepo, another oncology and hematology specialist, will be replacing her. We expressed our gratitude to her and wished her good luck and told her we'll be missing her. With enormous sadness in her voice, she said, "I'll be missing you also and I'm truly very sorry about your daughter, Melissa".
On the way home from the hospital, we were so quiet and even though I knew that Melissa could sense that something was wrong, she did not say a word. From the rear view mirror, however, I could see a tremendous sadness in her face.
During the next few weeks, everybody in my immediate family went for a blood test. Afterward, the tests revealed that our son, Bobby, who was just about six months old at that time, was the complete match.
Sylvia and I talked about the situation and we decided that, if Melissa would go back into remission, we would try the bone marrow transplant. We then called Dr. Nepo and asked her if it would okay for us to inform Melissa about the possible transplant and she said that would be fine.
When we told Melissa about the plan, she started to cry and with a begging tone of voice, she said, "Mommy, Papa, please don't do it, Bobby is just a baby. She further said, "I am willing to die so that my baby brother doesn't have to go through the pain".
Upon hearing what she just said, both Sylvia and I cried really hard and we lovingly hugged Melissa. In the silence of my heart, I said to myself, "Melissa is really very special".
Melissa once again showed how much she loved her family and she had just demonstrated the ultimate sign of a true love and selflessness by willingly putting herself on the line for the sake of a loved one.
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About the Book
Rodrigo T. Gabriel and his wife, Sylvia Tiña, were seemingly on their way to living the American dream after leaving the Philippines.
They made an honest living, raised children with strong values, and created a better life for the family. But they had to confront an unthinkable challenge when their second daughter, Melissa, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
The family would witness Melissa’s excruciating treatment before she lost her battle at age twelve.
In this memoir, the author chronicles his life from his humble beginnings growing up in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, falling in love, and immigrating to the United States.
At its core, however, the book is about his beloved daughter and includes snippets from her personal diary. Woven throughout the story are the author’s reflections as well as Melissa’s poignant poems and heartbreaking last writings.
Within twelve short years, Melissa was able to teach others life lessons that highlighted the value of being kind, selfless, and loving. She was also able to find self-fulfillment, which enabled her to courageously and confidently express her willingness to join her Creator. Having had more than thirty years to reflect on her life, her father tells her story—as well as his.
About the Author
Rodrigo Gabriel is a father, husband and a man of strong faith. Born on March 10, 1945 in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, Rodrigo (or Rod) came from extremely humble beginnings and worked his way towards making theAmerican Dream his reality. Rod married Sylvia Tiña in 1970, and they immigrated together to the USA in 1972.
From having to walk to school without shoes as a child to navigating the streets of New York City as an accomplished financial executive, and amidst all of the challenges and tests of courage along the way, Rod’s faith in The Lord and innate desire to provide for his family never wavered.
Rod and Sylvia currently live in Manalapan, New Jersey, and their children are Bernadette, their guardian angel Melissa, and Rod Robert. Bernadette and Rod Robert reside in San Diego, California.