.The Bravest of Us All.

“Bagay pala sa ‘yo ang naka-white coat, Bossing.” (Your white coat suits you, Bossing.)

He was sitting up on his hospital bed when he said that. He started calling me Bossing when I became his deputy wing commander in high school, and the name stuck.

For the second time, he was admitted to the same hospital where I was doing my Pediatrics pre-residency. I had promised to show him my white coat once I earned the right to wear it, so I kept it on when I went to visit him after doing my rounds.

I surveyed his general appearance through a doctor's eyes. He looked much better than he did the last time. He seemed healthier, stronger somehow. Though his eyes betrayed the fatigue he felt, a teasing smile was plastered across his face.

Rats. I knew what was coming next.

“Buti ‘yan, para ‘di ka na nila mapagkamalan na pasyente.” (That’s good. At least they won’t mistake you for a patient anymore.)

Typical Ivan. Always going out of his way to tease me about my height.

Still. It felt wrong to be talking about me, when I came there to visit HIM. I wanted to know how HE was.

“Kamusta ka na Pareng Ivan?” (How are you Ivan?)

He smiled his teasing smile again.

“Mas okay na ako ngayon Bossing. Gusto ko na ngang umuwi eh. Ikaw? Kamusta? Tanggap ka na ba?” (I feel much better Bossing. I want to go home already. What about you? Have you been accepted?)

There he went again, turning the conversation around to make it all about ME when I wanted to know more about HIM. He wanted to know if I got accepted into the residency program already.

Typical Ivan. He was such a selfless and wonderful friend.

We went on talking about other things, but mostly he just kept coming back to me, asking ME questions, and how I was, and what MY plans were. It just felt plain wrong, but I couldn’t help answering him, anyway. He wasn’t just trying to make conversation. He was sincerely interested in talking to me, in learning what I was doing with my life, and how I felt about it.

Other people would have felt entitled to wallow in self-pity and talk endlessly about themselves and how they are dealing with their condition. No one would argue and complain, anyway.

But not Ivan. Even after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), he still refused to draw attention to himself.

Typical Ivan. Always putting other people ahead of himself.

Well, we’re not going to let you get away with it this time.

This time, this is all about YOU.

YOU made us laugh and smile. YOU brought us joy simply by being our friend and brother. YOU remained cool despite our pasaway moments (dakilang Wing Com). YOU extended a helping hand and listening ear to anyone who needed it. YOU supported us, your classmates, in a way that only YOU can.

YOU tried to be all rough and tough with us, but sorry Ivan, it just didn’t work. YOU were as gentle as could be. YOU were the big brother who gave us comfort when we needed it most.

YOU showed your love so wonderfully that it is no wonder why people love you back in return.

YOU went after your dreams and made them come true. YOU made us proud when you topped your board exam and became successful at your chosen career.

YOU fought the battle that most people would have been too weak to handle. YOU stood strong in the midst of all the difficulties you and your family had to face. YOU kept your faith in the good God who YOU knew would never let you go. YOU braved the pain that came with your condition and refused to let anyone else suffer with you.

YOU fought the battle Ivan. YOU are the bravest of us all.

And at the end of it, YOU inspired us all.

To my Pareng Ivan, here’s to YOU.