REFLECTIONS: Death, Be Not Proud
by Teresita Bacani-Oropilla, MD
She had a choice. In a country and time where parents still had a say on what their children would become, she was asked if she wanted to watch their store or go to medical school. Circa 1950s, she would miss going to the country’ s progressive capital city, Manila, or risk seven years of grueling medical schoolwork. She chose the latter.
Now a certified MD, she married a promising engineer whose family had a“ hacienda” of sugar cane. This extensive plantation had families living in it who lived by the seasons of planting and harvesting the precious crops. She became their charge. Those were the days when a doctor could and must do everything as expected. When some workers decided to fight with sugar cane cutting instruments, this doctor had to sew them up. Fortunately, no one died of the serious injuries and recovered. She then continued to care for the rest of the families.
Joining the government medical corps, doctors dealt with malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, worms, spreadable diseases, poor hygiene and poverty. They used government money and begged private resources to join in health improvement.
Through the years, modern equipment and specialties became available. She was herself locally treated for cancer.
Years passed, she with her husband raised four successful children and were blessed with grandchildren. They both contributed to the medical and economic welfare of their continually progressive city.
But, incurable cancer eventually took its victim and left a grieving family and medical community bereft. Death, however, does not erase the good and memory of what one has done.
We trudge through life day by day, giving of ourselves the best way we can. Others take our places when we die.
Death, be not proud! Dr. Bacani-Oropilla is a retired pediatrician and psychiatrist.
May 2026 33