Every time I see these photos, it kills me. It’s like a ten wheeler truck hit me by the ground. These photos were taken last march 2, 2012 beyond 7pm, just 4 days before his death. I can’t imagine that he’s gone. Of all his grandchildren, I can consider myself as his favourite.  Yuuhh! I can still remember those doughnuts I bought whenever a ten peso is left from my baon, Bavarian flavour- yan ang flavour na binibili ko for him. I miss the way he speaks; we were tapped out by his awesomeness in speaking English language whenever he is drunk.  No doubts, he was a Suma Cum Laude during his college year. Then he met my lola. Though they got married at a young age, they were still able to raise their 7 children in a simple way (in rural). Because of their perseverance and hard work, they got the opportunity and enough money to be able to live in an urban place; I saw the courage and love they had shown for each other. They used to sell bibingka, isaw and uling. Though they already had enough money to relax and stay away from heavy jobs, they still worked. Until they grew old together, 62 years of marriage. And it all ended last march 6,2012, two days before my birthday.

But the pain of yesterday still remains today.  As I see my lola sitting alone on a bench outside our house, I know he misses lolo. She stares at the sky, watching over the stars and says “tua na imung lolo” then tears came running down from her eyes.

But that was 2 years ago. 2 years that wasn’t really enough to mend our hearts from that crestfallen time. And now my Lola is finally home, home with her one true love(my lolo) and with God. I saw how my Lola was saddened because of Lolo’s death, she was bereft but stayed strong. She may have that different outlook but deep down I know how much she misses Lolo. There was this line that her son(my uncle) stated in his eulogy, “When Papang died 2 years ago, I have prepared myself because I know that Mamang wont stay long anymore.”. Yes, we all live in a borrowed time and she have reached her octogenarian status, but it wasn’t what I expected. I lost my grandparents in a span of 2 years. The thought is veritably painful. But nevertheless, I am very thankful for giving her 85 years to live in this wonderful world and for 19 years and counting of having a generous and blithesome Grandma. Your memories, be it sad or happy will be stamped in our hearts, your mouthwatering and luscious bibingka and puto will forever be our favourite. I love you both!! Until then!!