From Grief to Grace

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From Grief to Grace

Lovelyn Calacsan, LPT, MAEd Administrative Secretary/Writer

Faith often takes root in the most unexpected moments, growing quietly through trials and hardships. This is the story of Myra Mores Flores, a 66-year-old resident of Brgy. Sta. Maria, Maddela, Quirino. Once weighed down by grief, she now walks in the light of faith, transformed by an unseen yet powerful witness of love, service, and devotion.

Myra was the devoted wife of Rolando Flores, a former hemodialysis patient at Adventist Hospital-Santiago City, Inc. (AHSCI), who passed away on September 13, 2019. Their journey with AHSCI began in 2018 when Rolando, after suffering a stroke, required dialysis treatment. With their home far from the hospital, they found temporary shelter in a nearby boarding house, arranged by a compassionate nurse.

Each morning before dawn, Myra would wheel her husband through the hospital corridors for his 6 a.m. dialysis session. In those quiet hours, she began to notice something remarkable—hospital workers pausing from their duties to gather for worship. She watched them closely, drawn to their kindness, respect, and the genuine faith that guided their work. Their unwavering devotion stirred something deep within her, prompting her to ask, “Kasano nac ngata nga maging miembro ti Adventist?”How can I become a member of the Adventist Church?)

Before she could fully explore the answer, tragedy struck. On September 13, 2019, Myra lost her beloved husband. Yet, in the midst of sorrow, God’s call became even clearer. Just a month later, on October 19, 2019, she took a leap of faith and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, finding comfort in a new spiritual family that embraced her with open arms.

Her faith journey deepened when AHSCI organized a medical mission in her hometown, followed by a Happy Family Orientation crusade led by the Northeast Luzon Mission. Myra attended with an open heart, feeling as though these events had been divinely arranged just for her. Through in-depth Bible study, she found answers to the questions she had carried for so long. “Ang Adventist, bibigyan ka ng panahon,” (The Adventists will give you time), she reflected, grateful for the patience and guidance she received.

Today Myra is an active and dedicated member of the Dungo Church Company in Aglipay, Quirino. Despite the distance, she never hesitates to travel for worship, eager to grow in faith and fellowship. She has no regrets—only gratitude for the journey that brought her here.

Yet, her deepest prayer remains. She longs for her three sons to experience the same faith and joy she has discovered. She dreams of the day they will stand beside her in worship, united in their walk with God. Until that day comes, she continues to serve, to trust, and to be a living testimony of God’s grace.

Myra Mores Flores’ story is a powerful reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, faith can illuminate the path forward. It is a testament to God’s love—turning sorrow into strength and loss into a renewed purpose. Her journey inspires us all to keep trusting, keep believing, and keep shining His light for others to see.

Lovelyn Calacsan, LPT, MAEd Administrative Secretary/Writer