Papa's First Death Anniversary

365 days. Yes. It has been a year since my Dad left us.

365 days filled with happiness, sorrow, grief, regrets and longing. Days with sudden chuckles brought about by his memories and moments of outbursts- tears from the pain of losing him. Whenever the truth hits me, the realization just comes over and over again- we will never bring him back. God has taken my dad away from us, but closer to Him. 

Last December 10, we have celebrated his First Death Anniversary or "Babang Luksa". My mom told me that it's the time where the mourning of the bereaved families end. We have decided to offer a mass for him in St. Joseph's Parish Anonas, Q.C. A prayer ceremony filled with songs was also held at his resting place in the afternoon. We had 12 white balloons to commemorate him. At around 5 pm, we have decided to head to Renaissance Cafeteria at the Renaissance Convention Center, in Riverbanks Center Marikina. We had our closest family and relatives attend the dinner for our Papa. 

The prayer ceremony held at his resting place

Hope that balloon reaches you Pops! :)

Our Giveaways

Papa

The Buffet

Truly, we have enjoyed the buffet!

The tarp made my Mom cry while we were on our way to Papa's resting place. 

The giveaways- colorful cupcakes! 

I'm so glad that we're able to pull it off successfully! 


As for me, I don't think this grief will end at that point. Right at this very moment, I couldn't imagine myself not grieving for him. I will cherish his memories and I could say that with surety, but the pain of him leaving us will still hurt till the very end- I know. 

First All Saint's Day Without Papa

Gosh, time runs extremely fast. Couldn't believe that it has been 10 months since my Dad's passing and his First Death Anniversary is fast approaching.

Filipinos have very strong familial ties. And I wouldn't get surprised that even in death we still commemorate our loved ones who have passed away. During All Saint's Day, it has been a practice to celebrate this event the contemporary way- Halloween parties, trick or treats, wearing scary clothes which are also a fun way, especially with the kids. But what I love about this occasion is going to the cemetery, spending the night of October 31st and/or November 1st with family and relatives on the gravesite of our departed loved ones. I remember our family doing this since I was a kid. During my gradeschool years, we spend the night at my Aunt Encar's gravesite in Paraiso, San Mateo. She is my Papa's older sister. When I reached highschool and moved to Marikina, we often visited and spent All Saint's Day at my niece Anna Loren's gravesite in Heaven's Gate Memorial Gardens. Though we still visit our Aunt Encar's and our other departed relatives' resting place during this occasion as well, we made it a point to spend the night at Anna's since her death in 1998 due to dengue. We usually hold a prayer offered to Anna then just have some bonding time with the rest of the family. I remember my Papa and my brothers told horror stories that just made the night more fun and spooky. :)

On October 31st will be the 1st All Saint's Day Eve we are to spend with my Papa- in his gravesite, beside Anna Loren's.

Yesterday morning, before I went to bed, I was crying for almost an hour, remembering my Papa and recalling his loving ways. I miss him!!!

Then I had a dream that he was in a very beautiful place- clouds like huge cotton candies and and bright sunny skies. I think it's his way of telling me not to be so sad coz he's in a better place.



I love you so much Pops!