Angel

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
Theres always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there

You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

- Sarah McLachlan (1997)

I first met Mimi Mindajao in 1995 when while visiting my wife's family in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Mimi was my wife's cousin, all of 7 years old at the time. There were other kids there, but I noticed she wasn't playing with any of them. When I saw her father talking to her, he was signing. That's when I figured out she was deaf. I went up to her and tried to offer her a treat, but she quickly shied away. I knew she was afraid simply because I didn't look like anyone else there, but I didn't mind. Her father took the candy from me and gave it to her.

This continued every time she came over. She would stare at me with intense curiosity, but would shy away when I caught her looking. I wasn't sure how I would get through to her since I don't know how to sign and I definitely don't speak Visayan. I just figured we would connect somehow and that when the time was right, it would happen. My wife and I were there over Christmas of 1995 and every year my wife's family hosts a big Christmas party for the neighborhood. I was videotaping some of the festivities when I saw Mimi staring with interest at the video camera. I stopped filming and rewound it to a scene with her. I held out the camera. At first she shied away, but curiosity got the best of her and she approached. I motioned for her to put her eye to the eyepiece. She did and I pressed the play button.

Mimi, that smile you wore upon seeing yourself in the camera is something that I will never forget. The fact I was able to bring that kind of happiness to your life is something that has stuck with and will always stick with me for the rest of my life. That night I was your best friend, and you were mine. When your father died my thoughts were immediately of you as I knew you were the apple of his eye.

I know things were never easy for you. I just found out this evening you had a congenital heart defect. I can't imagine how hard it was for you growing up not being able to hear as well as not being able to play with the other kids. I also know that when the weather got hot you suffered mightily. Although I wish we could have spent more time together, please know wherever you are that those moments with you will be with me always. It's tragic that you were never able to experience the joy I find with music. The song I dedicate to you is a beautiful song... I know you would have felt the same. My heart is with you now Mimi, as I hope now you find the peace you deserve after your much too short life of suffering.

Rest in Peace, Mimi Mindajao... you are already missed.