On April 13, 2007, eve of the interment of Nanay, Chie and Ate Zeny asked me to prepare a personal message at the necrological services for Nanay but knowing how poorly I can handle my emotion. . . I requested that I be spared of the “task”. Nevertheless, I prepared one just in case.
But I never got to read one because Chie’s family respected my request but on hindsight I regret for not having participated. If only I bravely stood there in front of everyone. . . . .
I could have said a lot of things. . . . .I could have told them that from the point of view of a family friend who have seen the family in good times and in bad times, it was one wonderful experience. I learned so many things!
I could have said I was a witness as to how everyone in the family loved her unconditionally . . . I saw this in their indescribable ways of caring her. Of giving everything. . . . of not saying “no” for every little thing that she asks. . . Never mind if it was reasonable or not! All they could say was “Opo, ‘Nay”.
I could have said that I did not only learn how to be stronger in times of trials, but I have learned to love my parents more. I am fortunate to have told this to Nanay Paring when she was still alive through a short note that I gave her. This note still forms part of the many mementos that are being displayed in their Marikina home.
I could have said how I have admired Jun, her son-in-law for having loved and cared Nanay with the same amount of attention that Chie, and the rest of the family accorded her. To me he is a “one of a kind” son in law.
I could have said how close were the kids to her. . . Ivy, Pons,Josh, Aaron, Cheche and the rest of the grandchildren. And that losing her was truly devastating . .
I could have said how proud I was to relate stories to my relatives and friends on how Chie and the rest of the family treat her. That it was a totally different kind of “caregiving”. . . . caregiving that was full of love! Unconditional love that is!
And finally . . . .
I could have said how the family had grieved over her loss and such grieving was so infectious. . . .
I could have said that I do understand the grieving because I too experienced it myself and so did everyone who loved her so dearly.
