This piece first appeared on my Facebook account on May 19, 2017.
Happy 107th birthday in heaven, Lola Apay!
Thank you for all that you had taught me. I can't remember all of them. But I am sure for all the long hours I sat beside you, listening to your stories and at times your lectures, they have all been ingrained in my being. I recall that time when you were grinding, maybe coffee beans, at the covered part of the backyard. I approached you and I didn't know what came to me, that I unashamedly asked for a peso coin from you so I can buy candy from the nearby sari-sari store. I should have known, I got an hours long lecture from you about how money is earned and how it should be spent. I wish my kids would also be able to hear the many things you had told me.
I remember that Vino Kulafu concoction you gave me when I had severe dysmenorrhea; it seemed to have worked as I immediately fell asleep and the pain was gone when I woke up. I wish I had communicated more with you and wrote down all your life hacks, including the household lana and that VK drink.
Thank you for always thinking about my family's welfare. It warms my heart to recall that you had a saint and a piglet assigned for me and my siblings, each one, that's how much you cared for us. I remember, for all your frugality, you allocated a portion of your budget for a bicycle and a typewriter, among many other things, for me and my siblings. You reminded me many times that Papa had to forego buying a new pair of pants just to be able to meet the needs of us children. That served as a constant reminder for me to take my studies seriously, so that I can eventually get a good job and be financially independent.
You have been so much a part of my life, of who I have become. Shortly after we buried you in November 2011, I learned that I was pregnant. We have named our first born Paz, in memory of you. What a beautiful name, it means peace. You left the world in peace, very gracefully. I hope your family whom you've left behind will also be in peace at all times.
I know that I am never alone in my journey. Thank you so much Lola for keeping me, keeping us, in your heart. Among all the things you had taught and shown me, the fact that held me dear in your heart keeps me secure. How much closer I am to Jesus now that you are with Him. I only pray that you are also with our loved ones who have left this world.
Remembering you especially on your birthday, Lola Apay. Flowers for you, I remember your garden in Sta Fe.
