SLEEP ON IT: A Eulogy for Tito Clem by Marylou

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” This verse as part of a larger passage also speaks that there is a time to be born and a time to die.

Upon hearing of the demise of Tito Clem, a surge of grief severed my being that added to the cloud of the deep sorrow which made me an example of The Lady of Sorrow twice over for losing both my sons in two separate years!

Tito Clem was not only an uncle, for he was both our parents’ first cousin and our mother’s godchild. He at the top most in the list of our bond was my eldest son, Louis Archie’s, best friend. Tito Clem’s role in Archie’s life also ranged from being a grandfather, guidance counsellor, mentor, right hand and the likes and supposedly his successor!

The Holy Sonnet 10 of John Donne which was the famous ‘Death Be Not Proud’ came to my thoughts for despite the sadness that is amongst us from the passing of Tito Clem, we unite in the prayer and the hope that he will cross the bridge towards his salvation bathing in the showers of our Maker’s mercy!

In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare’s famous quote: “Parting is such a sweet sorrow” is applicable to the tears we shed for this great loss for no matter how we console ourselves and each other, the deep sorrow just does not go away. Sweet this time although blends with sorrow ends Tito Clem’s pain and at the same time becomes a phase when he reunites with all the departed loved ones.

Truly God’s Plan does not correspond with the human plans most of the time! Once Tito Clem emphazed to me that he never visited Archie on his grave for he might reprimand him for dying ahead of him when he had been praparing Archie to take over his post as he was already past his retiring age!

Like a slap, all is clear to me for Archie had to leave ahead of Tito Clem to pave his way to his eternal rest and that their unity will be crowned with peaceful rest!

“There is a time to be born and a time to die.” Yes! Sad, indeed for us, but for Tito Clem to depart from us, he has to be born to a new happy life in heaven!

Yes! John Donne was right! Death should not be proud! Tito Clem and our loved ones have defeated death for their souls now live in the afterlife!

“In pace requiescat” Clemente Dreyfus del Castillo! Rest In Peace, Tito Clem!*