Around 1 AM today, my family received a news that brought so much sadness and grief in my heart. As if God was reminding me of my mortality that he once again asked one of my family members to cross over and join him in heaven. This event again reminded me of the reality of life. Truly, death does not come when it is expected—like a thief in the night. When a family member dies, the whole family is plunged into despair. It is heartbreaking to imagine that this person who was previously so active and full of life—now lying physically—as if feeling numb and empty. Lola A spent most of her lifetime with my family. She was my mother’s nanny (yaya) when she was 11 years old. She remained as the yaya until my mother (an only child) got married, gave birth to 6 children and until all her wards (alaga’s) graduated college. Lola A is not your ordinary and typical nanny—her love for my grandmother (Lola A vowed to take care of the family until the end), for my mother and us was something extraordinary—magical and unconditional. She was more than a nanny—she was like a mother—a doting mother actually. The loyalty and faithfulness she showed to my family was something one cannot fathom easily. Weeks before she died she told me in our informal conversation how much she’s proud of all of us. I know in my heart—she is a huge part of what we are now as persons. Lola A together with my grandmother must be smiling in heaven for such a beautiful accomplishment. Together with my parents, they produced children who all grew up to be people of virtue. They created 2 priests, 2 college professors who are truly happy with their family life and 2 young adults both doing well in their chosen careers…all God fearing and lovable as persons.
Lola A as you now start your journey in heaven---let our love bring you home and show you the way to eternal happiness. The love and care you showed to us through the years will be enough to sustain us through our own lifetime. Together with Nanay Paning---Fly High Lola A….fly high….heaven is never too far Lola A! You’ll still be in our hearts –while you are in heaven—watch over us and continue teaching us—guide us—Lola A, you have taught us so much but we know there is still so much to know… Lola A---no matter how far away you seem ---heaven is never too far!
Lola A as you now start your journey in heaven---let our love bring you home and show you the way to eternal happiness. The love and care you showed to us through the years will be enough to sustain us through our own lifetime. Together with Nanay Paning---Fly High Lola A….fly high….heaven is never too far Lola A! You’ll still be in our hearts –while you are in heaven—watch over us and continue teaching us—guide us—Lola A, you have taught us so much but we know there is still so much to know… Lola A---no matter how far away you seem ---heaven is never too far!
