The Scariest End to 2025

Last December 27, my mom was glowing with excitement. She was heading to Tagaytay with my brother’s family, looking forward to a few days of bonding, fresh air, and time with her apos. She was full of energy that day, happily chatting with other moms in the area, many of whom were co-workers of my brother. It felt like one of those rare, simple joys that made the season extra special.

We were all set to join them the following day, December 28, as we were invited to attend the Thanksgiving Party of my brother’s company. That night, my mom enjoyed the celebration. She ate well, laughed, and stayed up until around midnight.

That alone was already unusual, since she normally sleeps by 8 PM. As part of the program, all parents of the employees were honored, and she received a monetary gift from my brother’s boss. She was happy and content, the kind of happiness you see in a parent who feels appreciated.

The next morning, she woke up around 7 AM and joined everyone at the breakfast buffet like nothing was out of the ordinary. She was her usual self. After lunch, around 3 PM, we had already arrived back at the house when she sat down on a chair and fell asleep.

When my sister tried to wake her, something felt wrong. She did not respond. At all. This was very unlike her. Even the slightest sound usually wakes her immediately.

That was when panic set in.

My sister called us right away. My brother and I rushed to the house, carried our mom, and decided to bring her to the nearest hospital. I drove as fast as I could, my heart pounding the entire way. Panay busina ko, yung kapatid kong babae naman yung nagpapatabi sa mga asa daan, bukas lahat ng bintana ng sasakyan. Hawak ng kapatid kong lalaki sa likod si nanay. Thank God wala akong nabangga at hindi din kami nabangga. Halfway through the drive, she suddenly woke up, confused, asking why she was inside the car. She looked fine, na para bang walang nangyari. Maayos salita nya, pinaulit namin pangalan alam nya, pinag addition at multiplication ko pa nga, nasasagot nya.

We still went straight to the emergency room.

The doctors checked her vital signs, ran laboratory tests, and even did a CT scan of her brain. After hours of waiting and holding our breath, the results came back normal. Everything was okay. Sobrang antok lang daw talaga kaya hindi agad nagising. After about four hours in the ER, we were finally allowed to go home.

That day was the scariest experience I have ever gone through, and I know my siblings felt the same. There was guilt too. Guilt for letting her stay up late. Guilt for thinking it would be okay just this once. Guilt for realizing how fragile time really is.

More than anything, we felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

We thanked God endlessly for not letting us end 2025 without our mom. For not allowing us to experience a loss we were not ready for. For giving us more time with her.

Now, we are slowly helping her get back to her normal sleep pattern. More mindful. More careful. More appreciative of the ordinary days we once took for granted.

As the year ends, my only wish is that everyone gets to finish the year peacefully, stress-free, and surrounded by the people they love. Because sometimes, the greatest blessing is simply being able to go home together.