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In this issue, allow me to make this a personal column. Recently, a
very good friend of mine, Christine Zialcita, passed away, leaving
my heart in so much grief. I have known Christine for such a long
time, and we’ve been like sisters to each other, it pains me to
have lost someone like her in my life.
Christine was a good, peaceful person. She was a
supportive sister to her siblings, a loving nana to her nephew and
nieces, a protective daughter to her father. She dedicated her life
more to her family than to herself.
In my company, JobsDB, where she became part as
placement consultant for the company’s executive search arm and as
columnist in the website, Christine has gained many friends. In
fact, she was well-loved by many of my employees, who were charmed
by her gentle and gracious nature.
It can be said that her death is somehow
anticipated; although, as someone close to her, the news that she
passed away hit me hard. About a year and a half ago, Christine was
diagnosed to have a medically inherited heart illness that she got
from her mother which, according to the doctors, made her a
candidate for the sudden-death syndrome. With her illness, she
should be cautious not to get tired or dehydrated.
But Christine is such a strong woman and has a
profound faith in the Almighty. The illness didn’t hinder her from
appreciating life. Instead of wallowing, like what most people would
do when put in her situation, she took every opportunity to live the
remaining days of her life to be even closer to her family, make
more friends, grow professionally and serve God in her own way. She
went out of her way to get in touch with long lost friends and gave
inspiration to their lives. She didn’t allow her illness to hamper
her happiness nor the joy of her family and friends.
In her last column in JobsDB.com, Christine
talked about her fruitful life and her own pursuit of happiness.
She related about her owning a restaurant, her
achieving a graduate degree in Education wherein she finished with
honors, her professional experiences including teaching which she
loved doing. She also mentioned her being a communications director
of the parish church that she has gone to since she was a child, and
how she felt so much better when she accepted the invitation of
their parish priest to work there.
Christine lived her life to the fullest. Before
she died, Christine had done things that made her a happy, fulfilled
person. Her journey on Earth brought inspiration to the many people,
especially her family and friends who were touched by the meaning of
her existence. Just like always, Christine prepares for everything.
Perhaps, her death is her way of saying, “I have to go ahead,”
so I can prepare the place when your time comes.
To Christine, I like to think that you just
dressed away. You’ll always be in my heart. I will cherish all our
memories together till we see each other again. Thank you.
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Jayjay Viray is the Country Manager of JobsDB
Phils, Inc. Log on to www.jobsdb.com.ph for job opportunities. For
feedback, email feedback@jobsdb.com.ph
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