Have you ever experienced being lost for words when you came in front of someone you would like to converse with? It happened to me years ago when I attended a funeral Mass for a deceased relative. I wasn't able to speak to the bereaved family beforehand so I decided to approach the widow after I have received Holy Communion. Dressed in black with a matching black Spanish veil on her head, the widow was on her knees praying. As customary in the Philippines, I held her right hand and placed it on my forehead (a.k.a. Mano po). Strangely, as my eyes met hers, I couldn't say a word. I simply clutched her hand for a few minutes and then went back to my place.
Years went on, we would bump into each other during special occasions. Those gatherings became a way for me to be in touch with her and her family every time I would visit their town. In 2005, during my first visit back to the Philippines since migrating to the UK, while in church, her youngest son who told me and the rest of my brood who were with me to come and visit her. Luckily, we saw her making her way to church after Mass. Incidentally, as she came in, the choir was singing "Viva Santo Niño", a song she composed for the parish which is sung during the feast of the Santo Niño. She was singing it too as she was walking to the altar to check on her statue of the Holy Child which was on display at that time. We followed and walked with her. That was the last time I saw her. Returning to the England, I wrote her a letter expressing my delight to have seen her.
Unfortunately, I didn't had the chance to see her in my subsequent visits. As she aged, her memory, I was told, became weak. Later on, she became bedridden. Just after Christmas, she was hospitalized. I was hoping and praying that, if I would come home, I will be able to pay her a visit, to hold her hand, for a blessing and to tell her "I am here". What I was pining for was shattered. Yesterday afternoon, she passed away.
Lola Urs, thank you for being such a loving and warm grandaunt to me. Thank you for touching my life through your active witnessing to the Lord and your love for culture. I am sorry I wasn't able to see you. I guess God has better plans for you up there. Perhaps a dance with Lolo Tony? Or a trio with Mommy Rosie and Lolo Bert, with Lolo Gusing conducting? Whatever it is, you are now in a better place. You are now at home. May you rest in peace. May we be inspired by your example to touch the lives of those around us. We love you!
