My Daddies!

The past 2 weeks of this month were sooo difficult, that all I had to do was to surrender everything to God. In those days, I've regularly went to my parents' bedroom, talked to my dad's photo, and asked him to pray for me. I've also requested him to guide me during this very challenging time that I've almost wanted to give up. I've been calling the names of my two fathers - my dad and God - to help me, guide me and give me the strength for my problem to be over.

Guess what?

My daddies really listened! :) God indeed exists and my dad's guiding hand has always been with me. I couldn't thank them enough for taking good care of me and my family during the time of trouble. All we need to do is call their name.

I love my daddies! 

Praise the Lord! 

Thank you Pops!

Pops' 65th Birthday

Papa's birthday celebration last Sept. 7 was sooo much fun! His birthday fell on a Monday so we decided to hold it on a weekend. So thankful we made that decision. My mom made a delish baked mac and it was the highlight of the meals we prepared there. Rice, pork dishes, native delicacies, etc. made our tummies super happy. We spent Papa's special day in a way that he would have definitely enjoyed- yummy meals, bonding with the whole family, as well as with our relatives and friends. After holding a prayer, we stayed throughout the late afternoon on his grave site and left at past 7 pm. The cemetery was pitch-black! Eerie and fun. Perhaps fun because it was almost 20 of us. :)

If my Papa is still alive, he's already 65 by now. It's been almost a couple of years. I have made a lot of decisions inspired by his memories. I miss him badly and I still feel that tightness on my chest whenever I see his photos.

Happy Birthday Papa! I miss you so much. I'm asking God to bless you with peace and give us the courage to face life without you- till we meet again.

2nd Christmas Without Papa (2013)

It's the 2nd Christmas without Papa around. Of course, this one's less painful than the one in 2012 but it is still PAINFUL!! God, we miss him badly and I know that deep in our hearts we only have one wish- for him to be with us again, and knowing that it's impossible then we go to our next option of offering a prayer for him and just be present for each other.  I'm glad that our family is closer now but also sad that we had to experience this kind of loss before getting closer to each other. I mean, we were fine way before but what we have right now is some kind of a bond that is mixed with a fear of losing each other...



Merry Christmas Papa!! Please pray for us, that God may give us strength without you. You're always in our prayers Papa, never a day passes without thinking of you and a prayer offered for you. We love you Papa!!

All Saint's Day 2013

Of all the days I've filed as a Vacation Leave, I am still thankful- Oct. 31 was approved!!

So we were able to go on an overnight stay at my Papa's gravesite in Heaven's Gate Memorial Gardens. We arrived there at around 8 pm on Thursday and left at lunchtime the next day. Here in the Philippines, during All Saint's Day, cemeteries go super alive! Cemeteries are well-lit, mini-stores everywhere and tents and even the camping ones fill the place, and kids flying their colorful kites are just a regular thing during this time. Drinking sprees until the wee hours of morning by my hubby, brothers and nephews as well as chit-chats.
Good thing there were no mosquitoes and the cold temperature was bearable.

In the sunny morning of Nov. 1, my mom led a prayer while sticking numerous candles for all the souls that we remember, followed by a filling meal and some chit-chats too.

I know Pops appreciated our stay there!

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!