October 25, 2011

There are 3 things that Tatay has left behind for all of us to remember -
I call them the 3 H's: HONOR, HONESTY and HUMOR.
For those who really knew my grandfather, the first 2 H's were often associated with his character. The last one, humor, was somewhat less visible in his personality and yet, he did pass it on to several of his offspring. In light of his passing, I felt the impulse to say a prayer and to share it with those who attended his burial at the Elysium Gardens on October 25, 2011.
I now share it with you on this blog...

"Two days ago, House Bill 834 was approved to benefit the centenarians. But it did not come any sooner. If it did, Tatay would have enjoyed 100 grand and 50% senior discounts. Today, nonetheless, Tatay is enjoying something greater, richer, much grander and better. He is, we pray, in the presence of his Maker and smiling upon us - upon his 8 children: Tita Myrna, Tito Donnie, Tita Marlene (my Mom), Tita Daisy, Tita Noemi, Tito Boy, Tita Eva and Tito Mel; upon his 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

FAMILY - what a legacy! Without our family the past century would not have made an imprint let alone an impact on this side of heaven, at least for me. I THANK GOD for our family. I pray that those who are left behind will treasure Tatay's legacy for the rest of our lives. May God welcome Tatay in his eternal home, and comfort us in our loss. But most importantly, let us rejoice despite our grieving hearts for Tatay is FREE... he is free to reach down from heaven and take us to a better place as long as we are willing to TRUST, to LOVE, to FORGIVE, and to EMBRACE our LOVED ONES despite our flaws.

May we honor his memory with LAUGHTER despite the tears, with JOY in the midst of grief, with DEEP CONCERN for each other despite the conflicts, with TRUE LOVE that keeps on giving until it hurts. For the GOD ALMIGHTY gave His Son, JESUS CHRIST, to connect with us and rescue us from a bitter end by dying on the cross. HE LOVES US, He loves Tatay and has now called him back home.

This day, we should CELEBRATE not mourn because Tatay is not only with GOD but is also with the wonderful, graceful and gentle soul we've known as Nanay - his wife, your mother, my grandmother and my children's great grandmother."