Visitation: Day 2

Cousin Jenna knows Jayson and her mom (Tita Anna)are reunited

Thursday, November 21, 2013, was the 2nd and last visitation for Jayson. As in the previous day, Henry & I along with our kids went to the chapel around 4:15 p.m. to spend some private time with Jayson.  Our friend, Kara, and her son, William, flew in from Hawaii the night before and brought with them a lei of black kukui nut with painted blue and white flowers for Jayson.  We placed the lei on Jayson. It was a reminder of the 4+ years he lived  in Hawaii. It was the place where he enjoyed living in and where he discovered his love for music.

At about 4:30 p.m., immediate family members began arriving at the chapel to see Jayson one last time. Soon, many more visitors arrived. We had relatives who drove in from areas north of San Diego and a few relatives who flew in from Illinois. We also had a good family friend, Patricia, who flew in from Tacoma, Washington. The visitors just continued coming in throughout the four hours paying their respect and expressing their condolences to our family.  We want to thank everyone who was able to come by and say their "good-bye" to Jayson.

Jayson's friends from Westview High School

The Galinato Family & I share a hug

At about 6:00 p.m., we began our Rosary. This night we had a group from Corpus Christi Church of Bonita led by Bay Reyes who sang during the rosary.  The music added a special touch to our rosary. Afterwards we invited visitors to come to the front to see Jayson.



During the evening, we heard from cousins, family and friends who shared their stories and special memories of Jayson. Many of them couldn't help but shed some tears, but many brought laughter as well.  Jayson was such a joyful person and it was wonderful to see that the night brought joy and comfort, not just tears.

Cousins, Natassia & Katrina share their memories.

Friend, Adrian shares  funny moments with Jayson

Dad & Mom thankful for privilege of raising Jayson

Jayson's Godmother, Luz, also felt she lost a son

During this last night of visitation, we got a special treat from Jayson's youth group, Youth for Christ of San Diego and South Riverside (YFC SDSR). Music was an important part of Jayson's life and some members of the YFC SDSR led by Lance Guanzon sang a few of Jayson's favorite worship songs and entertained the visitors who were there. They sang "Be by Your Side", "Live for You" and "Heaven". It was a beautiful tribute and farewell to Jayson.

Lance and YFC SDSR lead a prayer after singing 

Throughout the visitation, many visitors brought food to share with others.  My friends and co-workers at Microwave Solutions were kind enough to take care of the food and feed the visitors who came in to the Hospitality Room. Thank you Auntie Luz, Jeanette, Celia and other MSI friends for helping. It was one less thing I needed to worry about. We are so grateful for all your help.

Family & friends share stories in the hospitality room.

Auntie Luz  & Jeanette take care of visitors

At about 9:00 p.m., visitors were asked to leave the chapel to give our family some private time to say our final "good-bye" to Jayson. We were also asked to help make the final preparations and close the casket for the last time. As I help roll the padding towards the inside of the casket, I just kept looking at Jayson's face, trying to etch that image into my memory. This was the last time I was going to be able to caress Jayson's face, kiss his cheek or touch his hand. I couldn't help but cry and feel the emptiness in me. Henry, Justin, Kristen, Keilani and I said our final good-byes to Jayson as we closed the casket.

The overwhelming emotions just engulfed us as we walked out of the chapel.  I was met at the entrance by Joven, Jayson's best friend, who comforted me with a hug. Then, Justin took over and just embraced me along with my nephew, Matthew. Other family members tried to comfort me and encouraged me to stay strong. I promised I would, but I had to let the tears out. Crying is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you're human and at that moment I allowed my humanity to show without any hesitation.

It was another comforting night. We were surrounded by family and friends who shared their memories of Jayson. This last night of visitation was very emotional as well and my body told me how tired I was both physically and emotionally. We drove back home to Murrieta that night. The hour and half drive was a very quiet and solemn one with very few words spoken. In hindsight it was probably a blessing for us. We each had the chance to reflect on the events of that day and the memories we shared with Jayson.

We would have one day rest before Jayson's funeral mass on Saturday, November 23rd. There were still a list of things to do in preparation for the mass and burial, but it would have to wait until the next day. For this night, we just needed rest.

Colada and Adams Families

Adams Family

Colada Family

AAMAGL Friends