But that dream she’d always been telling her mother since she was hospitalized, ended when, instead of waving  goodbye for her journey to the Philippines, waved  goodbye to her parents for the last time.

At the age of 2, Rocelyn Tabia already battled cancer and surpassed 9 chemotherapies.  But the brutal effect of such illness, took her life, even she put her last moment of strength to fight her battle last Friday noontime, 9 July 2010.

“The doctors did everything they can, applied all medical procedures, methods and forms to save the life of my daughter, but she never made it. Her last wish is to go home boarding an airplane to the Philippines, her motherland she never been.” Said her sobbing mother on an interview with ABS-CBN Middle East correspondent.

“She only knows Philippines from his favorite show from ABS-CBN’s TV patrol, Balitang Middle East  and Wowowee.  She never missed the show. She always wanted to go home to experience what is really like to be in her motherland.” She added.

When her mother knew that Rocelyn is about to meet her maker, she asked Rocelyn to wait for her father,  a little bit further, who is already rushing to the hospital to see his only daughter for the last time.

“I told her Rocelyn, whatever happen today, be with Jesus now, mama and papa we will be OK.  But she said no, I want to be with you” Concepcion said, when abviously knowing  that the time is near.

And Rocelyn waited, and always paying attention watching door whenever it opens, waiting for her father she knows its going to be the last time.  When she is finally on her father’s arms,  she asked her parents to  kiss her hands, and then she waved them her last goodbye, the memory her parents never forget.

Her mother, Mrs Concepcion Idao, working as a Nursing Aide for 13 years at Suleiman Fakeeh hospital took her motherly stand until her daughter’s last breath, to take care of her ailing daughter.  They have been refused admission  to several Hospitals because they don’t have at least 50,000 SAR for downpayment. 

Her Father, Mr. Rufo Tabia, a pastry baker for 13 years at La Gourmet in Jeddah, already gave on his last penny just to fill the demand of the Hospitals.  Both already asked their employers for the End-Of-Service pay then earned for more than a decade.  With the help of the Filipino community here in Jeddah, they were able to accumulate 30,000 SAR, an amount again refused by the hospitals. They were ordered for  discharge even Rocelyn haven’t recovered yet, after their last money was pitched in for their daughter’s needs.

Hope is fading for Rocelyn.  But had never retreated.  Until a Saudi businessman, a person they never knew, never met and  who refused to be identified took charge, giving hope for  the dying child. Humbled by the family’s predicament, he ordered the Hospital that he will pay all the hospital Bills until Rocelyn fully recovers.  According to Concepcion, the bill may have  reached to 300 thousand Saudi Riyals, or 3.5 Million Pesos.

 “He is a person with a kind heart.  We never knew or met him. We were just referred by his employee.  Although my daughter didn’t make it, without his help, she might have gone sooner.   Thank you so much for giving my daughter an opportunity to live a little longer.” Her mother said.

“It is very rare you will find a person of such good heart, helping people, regardless of Nationality.  Our heart goes to Rocelyn and for sure she will be missed” said Antonio Tamo, a Porsche Technician of SAMACO, who visited the family.

“Every time I came from work, she ask for my nurse cap and wears it.  She wants to be a nurse someday.  But now she’s gone.” Her mother said.

 “Rocelyn’s strength comes from her parents love and care.  She refuse to die and never ceases to fight her battle of life, because she wants to be with her loving parents. Its an indication of a responsible parenthood.” said Karlia Venessa Anguluan, a pediatric nurse of Dr. Suleiman Fakeeh Hospital.

Right now, the family is waiting for the documentation to ship the remains of Rocelyn to the Philippines to fulfill her wish, not knowing where to get the amount as they were left penniless. 

The Philippine Consulate General already coordinated with the family for the repatriation of the body.  The family still seeking for help from Filipino community while they are mourning for Rocelyn.  The group PICPA western region, Boholano Community, Staff and management and Dr. Suleiman Fakeeh   already pledged for assistance.  The family can be reached at mobile number 0567709890.

Rocelyn may have never made it home, but left a legacy to her parents the essence of real love from her very last embrace, despite she lost her battle she fought to win,  and live longer with her parents.