The last non-work related convo I have with him was in the pantry on 18Apr, holiday. I was eating my lunch at that time alone and he saw me. He waved his hand like the usual and after a few minutes, he brought his laptop and joined me.
He told me while holding his cup with water, "I love this cup that I asked from Julie the day before she left. I was so happy she gave it to me but I couldn't post it on Facebook as someone might see that she gave away her precious cup. It was like an antique and I thought it might have a sentimental value."
Typical Anna, I said few useless words and just smiled.
He asked, do you eat with your colleagues aside from your Hpel friends?
I said, it was very seldom that I ate my lunch with them and he asked why. I said that I was too shy. He said that I shouldn't be and try to know your colleagues more, they are all kind. "Try mo din minsan, kayo ng mga Hpels with your respective team, maglunch kayo ng sabay-sabay, diba nga it takes two to tango". This was the statement that has been running from my head since then and I don't know why.
So I went to see the service in his wake and heard the eulogies. Truly, he is the type of person who is incredibly thoughtful and a good listener. He always has the helping hand. They said that he is even interested in your personal dreams. That's how he is. He has touched many lives through simple things/gestures that are doable yet unforgettable. One thing I can't forget about his sister's message. She said that she was looking at Hubs things in his condo and saw a note on his stuffs. She saw his note that on top of his prayer and fasting list was that "Our company will give value to their people". That moment, I was not able to hold my tears back. That's how he love the team, the people under his management. It was his first prayer item on his list. He treated us like his second family.
I know that I've just met Hubs and is nothing compared with our fellow officemates, but he was able to show his genuine character to me, which is already enough to honor him as one of our managers and a friend.
Hubs, again and again, I want to thank you for all the small talks we shared, most especially whenever you share your knowledge about the scriptures with me. I will truly miss that. We'll miss you a lot and we'll see each other again.
Lord God, still your way is right. I may not fully understand it now but surely with Your help, we'll overcome this sorrow and we'll hold on to your promise Revelation 21:4. We must not lose hope in You. God, be in control. Lift us up, give us your comfort Isaiah 66:13 and help us to trust in You alone. You now have Your faithful servant, Hubs, and I know that he is singing praises and worshiping Your Holy Name. He is now at home.
