Reminding myself again that

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

Of death and life and an early Christmas present

Lola Apay passed away at age 101 on November 26 at around 7 in the morning. Though painful, it was the most joyful funeral I have witnessed. We recalled Lola's long life and how finally, she is at peace with the Lord, and is reunited with her love, Lolo Susing, who left her 29 years ago.

It was in the funeral that I realized that, Paz, her real name, means peace in Spanish. To find peace within herself was always my prayer for her when she was already bedridden during the the last four years of her life.

Lola Apay, you will be missed. Thank you for embracing my family with love. 

December 2, 2011. This news came to me. 

Initial reaction? Joy and excitement within. Might be a rough road ahead. But I know I am not alone in this. I remain hopeful that everything will turn out well. Welcome to the world, Umi! 

That's our name for you for now - Megumi (blessing in Nihonggo). We'll call you Umi for short, which happens to mean the sea (in Nihonggo). How apt as Lola Apay loved the sea. She used to celebrate her birthdays when she was younger at Acuna Beach.

May these photos tell you how much you are loved and welcomed in our lives.