Today I learned that my cousin has passed away. I am deeply saddened for she was such a young girl filled with dreams, to finish school and get out of poverty. I did not know that she was ill, but she was (as I was told) since 2010. When I learned last night that she was ill and was in the hospital, I contacted my mother if she had heard of the news. But knowing this was all too late. The news of her illness was too late, her passing was too soon. She passed away just last night. What use is my monetary help now that she is gone? It will now go to the funeral expenses, not to cure her.

Could have I done more if I knew about it then? If I knew about it then, it will at least give me peace of mind that I have done something because I would have if I only knew.

It hurts when helplessness because of poverty strikes close to home. You realize that life is really difficult, and it becomes a thorn in your heart knowing that there's not much you can do.

I cannot bring the past and correct it. I cannot bring my cousin back.

Still with a heavy heart I end this note with this poem. I pray that the Lord God keep my aunt in this difficult time of losing her only daughter. I wish her strength.

"God saw her getting tired,
A cure was not to be.
He wrapped her in His loving arms
And whispered ‘Come with me.’
She suffered much in silence,
Her spirit did not bend.
She faced her pain with courage,
Until the very end.
She tried so hard to stay with us
But her fight was not in vain,
God took her to His loving home
And freed her from the pain."