My speech during Nanay’s Burial Ceremony. 

Who could ever forget the big old cabinet packed with screws, nails and other tools, the wooden table in the living room that was solely for solitaire games or the green shelf that seemed like her little bookstore complete with supplies? We never will. The afternoon Corento’s and Drumsticks for the kids, the toron for miriendas, her famous “Bulawan” or Bowling Gold and the fridge that never ran out of coke- those are just some of the many things that would always remind us of a woman who was both a mother and a mentor to us- Nanay Mel.

I, in particular, would never forget how she would always take me to the market and introduce me to her friends as the “Little Melita”, how once, when I saw her crying, I cried beside her, thinking it would do her comfort that I was there to cry with her, and how she would buy Eecee and I matching clothes, matching slippers, matching towels and everything else came in pairs. Her daily routine of cleaning our ears until they almost bled was unforgettable just the same. Most of all, we will never forget the Afican saying she taught us, ( Njooni Kwango nininyote mnaosumbuka nakulemewa naminizigo naminitawa pumzisha) which meant- do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you- A life lesson that proves to be true.

To all of us, Nanay was a model of character. Despite the shabby edges of her personality, she was a good example. She was systematic and organized. She always had a way with things. She had everything labeled from the coffee container to the drawers, the table was always set with the corresponding spoon, fork and glasses assigned to every member of the family and we were always reminded to return things where we took them. Nanay was creative and resourceful. She carpentered everything she possibly could in the house and make good of whatever scrap she saw potential on. The hardware was her favorite shopping destination. She was also an achiever and a performer. Back in her younger years, she was a singer, a declaimer, a dancer and one great bowling athelete. She has also been to places all around the world as a missionary.

Nanay was many things. To us, she was the jolly grandmother who, as kids, we saw as a fairy who granted us wishes and bought us everything we wanted or a guardian who we could turn to for defense whenever we get into fights with the neighbor’s kids. To the young adults, she was a mentor and adviser. To my papa and his siblings, she was a mother who molded them into the intelligent, independent and strong willed individuals they are today. To Tatay, she was the object of his eternal unconditional love. To her relatives, to her friends, to her former colleagues, and to the people she met during her little trips around the world, she was also something else- a source of joy, a visionary and, simply, a clear proof of God’s magnificent handwork.

Thank you nanay for the wonderful years you have spent with us. You were a joy to be with. It is sad that you have to leave us now, probably because we are all past the boundary of juvenility and into the realm of adulthood where you know we are bold and strong enough to face life’s challenges without you. Still, we are happy and at ease because we know you can finally rest in peace and serenity. May you take your memories with us to heaven where you will rest but, in all certainty, continue to watch over us.

To all those who have expressed sympathy for Nanay’s death, our family would like to extend our gratitude for your efforts. Thank you. To all those who have sent flowers to nanay and those who handed out donations, thank you. We are sincerely thankful for your support. To all of you who have taken time to come here and say goodbye to Nanay as we deliver her to her final resting place, thank you as well.

Nay, we will forever cherish your memory and learn from the life you have lived. Though you have left us, your memory will continue to live on for more than our lifetimes. You will always be remembered.

As the saying goes, a human life is a story told by God. Nanay’s chapter here on earth has ended. But she will continue to live on and live her story in God’s kingdom.

We love you Nanay. Always and forever.

It is suprising how much people change over time. But what is even more surprising is how much it affects you that they have changed.

sometimes i cannot help thinking, what if things had gone differently, and i chose you? and i always end up thinking i could have been happier.