Remembering Nanay

It has been 4 years since Nanay passed away January 31, 2003.

Mother, Wife, Teacher, Author, Green Thumb, Guidance Councilor, Community Servant, and most of all she was "Nanay".

This is just a tribute in pictures. Of her younger years, her way that I never knew.

I don't know the events surrounding each picture as most of us will never know. I just hope that to those of you who may happen to remember may just, well... remember.

Right, Nanay at 13 years of age. The next pictures are Nanay at 15, 17, and 24. Then Tatay and Nanay in 1936.

I found a picture of Nanay and Tatay with Tita Letty, Tita Lita. and my Mom (Fe.) Immediately is a family picture - Tito Eddie, Tita Lita (pregnant with Joel), my Mom, Nanay and Tatay, Tita Letty, and Tito Geny. The kids - my siblings - Jimmy, and Kuya JV, and me (picture compliments of Joel).

Last is Nanay in one of her happiest mood, with me, my wife Monette and Jopoy, then Joel, his wife Joy and Jessie.
I tried to write something for her. The way she was to me. So hold the criticisms first. Read on and then post your comment whether good or bad, OK?

Here is to you, Nanay.

Growing up with you by my side. Through the years you watched me grow. Listening to every word I've said. And every word I've wrote you've read. You've been there for me to the end. Until the day for you, God did send.

I will miss you with all my heart. Thank you for being there from the start. Through all the good times we had she never said I was bad. I was her favorite. Well, to my mind I think I was. When I was with her, she held me and said
“I love you and I’m always here. If you can't live with someone who is more precious, then I will take care of you.”

She made me understand things I just couldn't get. She made the best "putchero". She gave me money when I needed it. Who would try to give me the entire world as far as she could see? And never is too busy to show how much she cares.

She was not perfect, as anyone of you can attest. I cannot say that I agreed with all things that she said and did. Nor to some of her actions that she thought was just best.

When she was sick I stayed by her side. With my arms open wide, all this to show my gratitude, my love.

I saw the old in her eyes. At times it made me wonder how long she will still live.

The wrinkles in her eyes were like wrinkles in time. She’s more tired and older than I remembered her to be.
She’s weak and loses her temper easily.

I waited with her and cried
But I wasn't there
That night she died...