Tita Nina

Whenever I think of Tita Nina, I am reminded of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9). My Dad used to tell me that every waking moment, Tita Nina was on social media. Indeed, Facebook would not be complete without her posts -  words from the Bible, prayers, religious articles, religious songs, greetings to family and friends celebrating their special occasions, etc. Our clan's Facebook page is replete of her posts. She was the PR person of the clan! 

All of that came to a sudden halt yesterday. 

After been in hospital for a few weeks, she passed away leaving her husband Tito Nello; children Krista, Tara, Tony, and PV; and grandsons Tony and Lazarus. Her death came as a shock; the clan has not yet recovered from the death of Tito Alex, his older brother, who passed away exactly 11 months ago today.

It is remarkable that despite being ill, she continued sowing those words of wisdom, inspiration, and love in Facebook. The last time I communicated with her (27th February), she told me that she was getting better, but she was taking it really slow. She did appreciate the videos I shared with her on the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament shown live in the Poor Clare Monastery in our parish. Before she passed away, she still managed to have five posts! One of the posts was a song in YouTube. The song's title is "Psalm 31:Father, Into Your Hands I Commend My Spirit". This were Jesus' last words on the Cross before "He breathed His last" (Luke 23:46).

Going back to the Parable of the Sower, I could identify Tita Nina as the sower. She sowed the seeds of faith, hope, and love through social media regardless if we ignore them outright, receive them initially with joy but have not nurtured them, receive them but got distracted by something else, or perhaps receive and treasure them. 

Thoughtful, sweet, devout. Those are the three qualities I remember of Tita Nina. In her memory, let us allow the seeds she has sown in our hearts to grow. Let us nurture them so we could be sowers who will share the same seeds with others. 

Tita Nina, thank you for being you. Despite what you went through you continued to be in touch with family and friends, affirming us in faith, hope, and love. Go forth now in God's kingdom where there is no more sickness, but healing; no more pain, but comfort; no more darkness, but light; no more sadness, but happiness; no more loneliness, but the ever abiding presence of God on whom you commended your spirit. Rest in peace, Tita Nina. We love you!

Tito Alex

It has been 40 days since the untimely demise of my uncle Dr Alejandro "Alex" V Albano. I remember how my dad called me twice that 4th of April, Saturday afternoon to inform me about the sad news.

When he returned to Manila in the late 1970s, with Tita Peachie and cousins Ate Ritzie and Ate Leli, they were our next-door neighbour. Tito Alex was a silent type of guy, something that sets him apart from the other noisy members of the clan (no pun intended!).

Many years after they went back to the States, I got a surprise phone call from him updating me about Lola Piling (who was hospitalised at that time). He then asked how I was doing and advised me: "Mag-aral kang mabuti kasi 'yan ang magtataguyod sa iyo" (Study hard because that will help you forward). He then asked me if I was communicating with my dad. At that time, my relationship with father was anything but pleasant. So I told my uncle, "Ayoko po" (I don't want to). He replied "Tatay mo pa rin 'yun" (He is still your father).

I would not forget that night way back in 1994 when Tito Alex called and his words of wisdom. I never had any similar conversation with him later on. I have the impression that the words he told me came from the depths of his heart. And the only way one could truly discern what's in one's heart is to be silent. 

We all need silence. And this comes to the fore, especially during this lockdown. Silence to reflect on what life has to offer, silence to "listen with the ears of the heart" (St Benedict of Nursia), silence to think, silence to make decisions, silence to acknowledge who you are in the sight of God, silence to be grateful, silence to enjoy one's blessings.

My Lolo Paul once wrote: "Growth is silent". Reflecting on the life of Tito Alex, I think he took to heart Lolo's words. In Tito Alex's silence, he faithfully and lovingly cared for Tita Peachie and his family, he diligently looked after his patients, he humbly did the will of God. Tito Alex grew to be an exemplary person.

May his silence challenge us to become more humble, compassionate, and considerate to those entrusted to our care.

Thank you, Tito Alex, for being such a wonderful uncle. May God, who speaks and is heard of in silence, welcome you into His healing presence.

My love to Tita Peachie and family in this time of sorrow and grief.