Tirso Cruz III is a veteran actor in the Philippines who is also well-known to be a devout follower of Jesus Christ. In his journey with God he has met countless storms that have strengthened his faith. One such storm was the death of his eldest son, TJ Cruz who passed away last November 21, 2018, at the age of 37. And before welcoming the year 2019, he openly wrote a heartbreaking poem for his eldest son.
Photo | pikapika.ph
On May 1 last year, TJ was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He underwent three chemotherapies and the hospital became his home. For six months, TJ battled his disease. It was heartbreaking for his father, Tirso, and mother, Lynn, to see their eldest son in such a painful situation. They were praying for their son would once again live a normal life outside the hospital. However, his loving mother revealed in an interview with PEP.ph that she changed her mind when TJ admitted that he was already very tired.
Photo | The Filipino Times
It was painful for Lynn but she told him it was okay to go home to the Lord.
Lynn spoke of the precious moments she had with her son, especially their daily prayer times. Every morning Lynn and TJ would pray together at 5:30 am.
TJ’s younger brother, Bodie, wrote: “We thank God for the life of my brother and we will continue to worship Him for He is always good and faithful.” Their family even danced TJ’s favorite song ‘Every Praise’ at his wake as a tribute to him.
Watch: Father And His Family Dance ‘Every Praise’ At Son’s Wake
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Tirso emotionally shared about his final hug with his eldest son through a poem entitled “Our Last Embrace”:
As I walked into the room,
the sweetest smile was on his face.
And as he waved for me to come, these words were spoken by my son.
“Papa, come and embrace me, I want to feel your arms around me.”
Had I known it would be the last, I should have held on longer, I should have held on so tight.
Then came that fateful day, that day we feared would come our way.
So many things to do, so many things to say, for my beloved eldest son that day.
As tears were rolling down my face,
I love you son was all I could say. ‘
‘Papa, come and embrace me, I want to feel your arms around me.”
And with his tender feeble arms, pure love I felt from my sweet son.
No pain can compare to the loss that came our way,
knowing my boy was leaving us that day.
That most tender embrace given to me by my son,
I will never forget through all space and time.
I now wait for that day, when I will be called by the Lord one day.
Then once again that smile I will see, and again feel that embrace meant for him and me.
And in my arms he will always be, and as children of God my son and I will remain eternally.
I love and miss you TJ.
Source: ABS-CBN News
This article was written by Christel Berns Villariza.