Raphael

Since returning from the Philippines, my mind has been full of thoughts. The most persistent thought was that of the Archangels, especially Raphael. Yet, it did not occur to me to look up Archangel Raphael until after my cousin Rapha's death. And I was touched with what I learned. Archangel Raphael performs all manners of healing, Raphael means "It is God Who Heals".

I believe Rapha was our family's Archangel. He lived life as an example of faith, hope, and love. He brought light, kindness, joy, and gentleness to our lives. He was sick with leukemia, yet had a steadfast faith and believed in the healing power of God's love. Having the opportunity to spend so much time with him on my family's Philippines trip was a privilege and my heart could not be fuller. His soft spoken nature taught me about the strength of a few words, his innocence brought me memories of childhood happiness, his smile was my favorite to capture. I ache with knowing that he is gone, but I am comforted in knowing that he is healed.

Thank you Mama Nee, for sharing your beautiful son with us. Crissa, Patty, Diego: please be strong and know that your baby brother is singing with the Angels.

Raphael Espina Guevara was born on October 9, 1998, an angel on Earth. He left us on April 23, 2012 to become an angel in Heaven. One to watch over us.