Today is a day of mourning for me and my family. We lost one of our dearest grandfathers, Lolo Inong as we used to call him. He is the younger brother of my late grandmother with whom I grew up with. He has been battling for couple of years now with his prostate cancer. An hour ago I received a mail from one of his daughters that he already succumbed to death yesterday afternoon.
When I was growing up, I remember him as this stout lolo of us that would always bring us a lot of pasalubong everytime he visits our house as balikbayan from Guam. He never failed to visit us everytime he is in the Philippines. At that age , my sister and I were always excited whenever we hear that he is to visit our house; because that would mean, we will have new clothings, toys and chocolates. When my grandmother died, we seldom see him no more. More than a year ago, I got the chance to see him in the Philippines when I went back for Christmas vacation. At that time he was already undergoing treatment for his illness. Physically he emaciated a lot but his jovial character remained. He always has that one-liner that can make everyone smile and be entertained. It is very touching to see that despite some of his shortcomings in the past, his family had been there for him all the time throughout his battle with the Big C. I am sure wherevere he may be now, he is very happy to know that his loved ones had been there to support and love him up to the last minute of his life.
I will always remember you together with the memories of my childhood. May you rest in peace as you meet with your Creator. I pray for your soul and for your family left behind.
