"What a father says to his children is not heard by the world, but it will be heard for posterity."

Friday, October 25, 2013

My Halloween Wish

For my VLs (Vacation Leave) to be approved! I've filed for these dates: October 29-November 1, followed by my weekend off. I am praying and hoping for this to be granted as the 29th of October is my me and my hubby's 11th Wedding Anniversary followed by our preparation for our overnight stay at my Papa's Resting place in All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day. We'll be doing this on the 31st of October.

My brother Allan also has arranged a trip to the majestic Potipot Island, Zambales on the 2nd and 3rd of November so I am praying God to grant me these VLs to be approved and for Papa to pray for me so that I could spend some time with him at his gravesite as well as to bond with our family and not to be too much exhausted and time-pressured with our trip. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that we could pull this off successfully!



Lord, please give this to me! Papa, please pray for me. All for the family! We miss you so much Pops!

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!