Remembering..

On this day, fourteen years ago, Lolo Cenon died. It was my (and my younger susters') first experience of death.  He has long been struggling with cancer (of the lungs) but when he breathed his last on the evening of March 29th, 1998 we still found ourselves grappling with the reality of his passing. 

Lolo Cenon loved us so much.  He died as a bachelor, had his share of imperfections, but despite it all, he was steadfast in his love for you.  It was amazing how such a man, who never had a child of his own, could give so much of himself for his family and others.

He was in his teens when he started working for a rich Chinese family in the city.  His meager salary working as a merchandiser helped send him to school until he was able to finish his Commerce degree in a prestigious university in the city. 

After finishing college, he continued to work for such Chinese family, serving them well and honestly.  Consequently, he was made as dummy for some of the Chinese family's businesses here and in other provinces.  Nevertheless, Lolo Cenon was honest and never took advantage of his position.  While others(including the family's relatives themselves) took every opportunity to steal from the businesses, Lolo Cenon remained uncorrupt.  He never considered nor allowed any attempt to commit any dishonest act.  he went to serve such family until he retired.

The New Year celebration in our childhood home was the most festive time of the year.  Lolo Cenon, who ironically was afraid of firecrackers, spent thousands and thousands of pesos buying for the rest of the tambays in our barangay to alight when midnight of New Year strikes.  Oftentimes, he would usually be caught hiding in seclusion...enjoying the sound of the booms and the bangs but --under the safety of his bedroom bed. Hahah.. In the morning of New Year, old folks in our neighborhood would queue at our doorstep because Lolo Cenon would thereafter be giving out crisp paper bills (usually 20 or 50 pesos) to them (patterned after the Chinese tradiaiton of giving ampao).

I have so many good memories of Lolo Cenon and I miss him very much.  I miss his stubbornness and his arrogance.  He didn't like seeking help but was always generous to help others.  That's what made him arrogant.  He was stubborn because even after being disgnosed with lung cancer, he continued to smoke and drink.  He even asked me that when I have work and earning already (I just graduated from college when he died), he hopes I'd care to buy him beer and Marlboro.  And no doubt I would if such would be the only thing it'll take to make him happy...

I miss him so much... I pray that he rests in peace.  And that may he whisper to Mama Mary and Papa Jesus to always take care of us... Thank you Lolo Cenon for loving us..