( July 20, 1993 - December 27, 2002 )
This is Dale Mabaet. It’s his birthday today, and I’m sure he’s celebrating it up in heaven.
I remember taking this picture. Our class went on a field trip to some dinosaur museum, and I was playing around with my disposable camera. I took a picture of my best friend in elementary school, and if he were alive to this day, he still would be, with no doubt in my mind.
It all started with a simple chat about videogames. We talked about Playstations and wanted to trade some games with each other. It was then when he brought me to his mom and told her, “Nanay, this is Kevin R. He wants to borrow some of our video games.” Ever since, we became close. We would always go on adventures in the school playground, pretending we’re explorers crossing through dangerous rivers and bridges. We’d also imagine we’re pokemon trainers and battle each other during recess. The memories I’ve shared with this guy are priceless. We’d ALWAYS play videogames, and I’d spend nights at his house, while he spent some at mine. We were practically brothers. We fought & bickered, but that’s what brothers do. One day, he gave me a GIANT stuffed whale, and it’s still sitting under my bed to this day. He was humble, cool, and the kindest guy you’d ever meet.
If Dale was alive today, he would have just turned 18 years old, about to be an incoming Freshman in college. He probably would’ve been pursuing the medical field, maybe even studying to become a nurse. He would’ve helped me make videos along with Kevin Sunga, contributing his creative ideas and nonsensical humor. I’d also picture him to have a talent for singing and dancing, just like his brother. We would both go on adventures throughout summer, and maybe even a road trip to Disneyland. He would be there for me, whenever I’d have girl problems, academic struggles, and just simple frustrations - and I would be there for him.
He died of Leukemia on December 27, 2002. We were both 9, and it was very difficult to deal with the loss of a close friend at a young age. It marks one of the most life-changing dates of my life, but I was able to cope with it with the help of my friends & family. He’s in a better place, and I’m still missing him to this day. Remembering my speech from his viewing, “It’s nice to have an angel as my best friend.”
R.I.P. Dale Mabaet, and Happy Birthday.
Love,
Kevin R.
P.S. Whether you knew him or not, REBLOG this to greet Dale a happy birthday! I’m sure he’d appreciate it.