The Altar Boy

For Jufel...

We saw you often

with painted blank face

dressed in dignified altar clothes

jolly disposition obscured

in one hour of solemn duty.

"Hello, Jufel."

Back in sacristy

you infected the atmosphere

with eruptions of wit and charm

and we glowed at the picture

of your dimpled smile.

"How are you, Jufel?"

It's been weeks

since you graced our sight

and in silence we wished

for that twenty-two-year-old guy

to be with the boys again.

"Where are you, Jufel?"

Your service and faith

impressed God and His saints

that He called you too soon

in His heavenly abode,

forever His altar  boy.

"Farewell, Jufel..."

Author's Note

(I chose a blurred photo of him for some reasons.)

Jufel was one of the most committed sacristans in our parish and sometimes we had the same schedule (I am a lector.) We were just acquaintances, exchanging polite smiles whenever we crossed paths. Yesterday morning, our mutual friend texted me that Jufel died because of appendicitis. We still can't believe it until now.

I surfed his profile on Facebook and saw that his last status was:

"Good evening..

On my way .."

--Yes, our faithful altar boy is on his way to our Father.

(No RR sent.)

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think the blurred photo is interesting...especially with what has happened in past years to some altar boys...that blurred line that some priests have crossed, unfortunately ..

i was lucky...had good priests in our parish...our pastor was crabby...but a good man...

he would yell at us in the middle of mass if we weren't in the right place...or doing the right thing..

love this again on reread.
jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so sad...but in the end...his giving of himself as an altar boy....paves his road to a better place.

i was an altar boy for several years when i was a kid...

this is a nice tribute...

jacob

[Blue]

I admire altar boys! Thank you so much, Jacob!

[Anita Singh]

What a lovely tribute to a pure and innocent soul. Your note at the end was very touching. I cant believe he wrote that as his status, as if he knew already. May be he did, cause he was indeed God's own child. RIP.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

I can't believe the coincidence, either. I think some people "know" something bad is bound to happen and they leave hints like that... Thank you for the sympathy, Annabella. :)

[Joyce S. Greene]

God be with him, Blue. For someone so young to die is a tragedy, and I am so sorry to hear of it. You have written a moving testament to his joyful and reverent spirit. Beautifully done.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you, Joyce. Your sincere sympathy is appreciated.

[Tassawwur]

That's really sad to know.Your tribute is really kind.May his soul rest in peace.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you so much, Tassawwur. I appreciate this. :)

[Tassawwur]

You are welcome :)

[redzone]

it pains to know someone so young has passed, especially from something so treatable. my heart felt sympathies to his family and friends... and to you for bringing us his story... we will miss you Rufel RIP.
--redzone

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you so much for your sympathy. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This is a lovey tribute with your sensitive observations and Christian affection set out for a fellow traveler. Gentle and sad but so divinely gracious Blue.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thanks a lot, John. :)

[Eddie Davis]

Blue, that was a very respectful and touching eulogy for the young man. How sad that his life ended so soon.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Indeed, Eddie. Thank you so much for your kind words. :)