She was my former teacher back in high school. I suppose I was one of the people who knew her a little less than others, but from what I remember of her, I can definitely say she was one of the most amazing people I have ever known. Aside from being kind-hearted, she was also one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. I truly admired and respected her. She wasn’t just a teacher—she was like a mother to many of her students.
She was only my teacher for one semester, but in that short period of time, she touched my life in ways I never expected. I remember when we were about to enter our fourth year, some of my classmates told me that Ma’am Charie would be leaving the school—and, of course, leaving us, too. They said she wanted to return to Pampanga, where her family lived, to spend more time with them.
I still vividly remember that moment—the classroom suddenly filled with tears as students expressed how much they would miss her, and she, in turn, shared the same sentiments. At the time, I couldn’t fully understand why she had to leave so suddenly. I had questions I couldn’t even put into words, and I never got the chance to ask them. All I could do was respect her decision and wish her well.
Even after she moved to Pampanga, she stayed in touch with many of her students. Some of my classmates continued communicating with her. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to text her often since we used different networks, but I did send her messages once in a while.
Two years later, something strange happened—I had a dream about her. It was so vivid yet hard to understand. The dream was filled with happy and emotional moments, with hugs and kisses. All I could think was, “Aww, Ma’am Charie… I miss you…” I even told my friend about it the next morning, saying, “Hey, I had a dream about my favorite high school teacher. It was kind of creepy because it came out of nowhere.”
Then, just two days after that dream, I was hit with shocking news—I was told that Ma’am Charie had passed away. For a moment, I couldn’t move. I felt numb. My mind kept rejecting it. “No, that can’t be right… I just dreamed about her… Maybe you got it wrong?” But after a while, reality sank in. That’s when I finally understood the answers to all the questions I once had. That’s why she had to leave for Pampanga. That’s why she wanted to spend more time with her family.
It was so unexpected. I don’t even know if she told anyone about it.
Now, all I can do is hope and pray that she is in a better place, with God, surrounded by the happiness she truly deserved. I know she is watching over us, the students she loved so much.
Ma’am Charie, thank you for everything you brought into my life. Thank you for all the lessons, kindness, and love. I love you so much, and I always will.
