I can still remember the day when we brought her out of the
hospital. We went home first as we made sure that she is already in the
ambulance. While riding at the motorcycle, heading to home, I thought of my
memories with her. I know that I haven’t known her so well, unlike with my mom
and my other cousins, but I have shared some precious memories with her.
I can still remember those times when we got to visit her at
Tantangan. Sometimes, at her house or at Tantangan public market where she
sells rice. I was young back then that I cannot remember any conversations with
her. All I know is that when we visit
her at her house, she will ask my cousin to buy “pepsi or coke” at the store so
that we can have merienda together.
When she had her eye operated, she stayed at our house for a
while, not just days nor weeks, but for months. I would accompany her
to the bank to get her pension and she gladly gave me money from it.
With her money, I will buy “pepsi or coke” at the store and we will drink it
together.
There was also a time when a strong earthquake hits our place and she is
staying at my brother’s room. It was night back then and all of us want to go
out at our house and find a safe place. My family were already outside the
house when I suddenly remember her. She can’t walk out alone since she can’t
see back then. I hesitate first whether to fetch her or not. But whenever I
remember that she can’t go out alone, I went to my brother’s room and fetch
her. Together, we went outside. I cannot forgive myself if ever I did not fetch
her. Gladly, I did.
There was also a time during summer that it is only the
three of us in the house. I am with her and with my sister. My sister and I cannot go
out together since no one will take good care of her at the house. I confess my
attitude back then because I am frustrated that I cannot go out with my sister
because of her. But without it, I won’t be having these good memories with her.
But when she got well, she decided to go back to Tantangan. Almost
2 years ago, when I got back here at Marbel, my mom and I decided to attend the
church at tantangan every Sunday so that we can visit her. She is glad that we
came there and she keeps telling me that she want to visit in our house but our
uncle won’t allow it because there will be no one who will attend her at our
house. And that’s true, because my mom and I got a work. So, we just find a
time to visit her at Tantangan once in a while.
However, last year, we weren’t able to visit her that much. But
we visited her on her 89th birthday and she was happy because we
came. I gave her a cake and she was glad with it. She said that she was already
old and she is happy that there is gathering on her birthday. After that day, I
know that apong, my grandmother is happy with her life especially when she sees
us happy with our lives.
We last visited her at Tantangan last January 1. My mom and
I cried when we visited her for she already forgot our names. She is so thin
and my aunt says that she is not taking her bath anymore and she seldom eats. I
remember giving her some money for her “pepsi or coke” and she looks at me so
much gratitude in her heart. When we went home, I said to myself that we should
visit her more frequently.
Unfortunately, last January 23, she was admitted at the
hospital. She was so thin and my uncle is telling us that she doesn’t want to
eat anymore. She can’t even speak at that time. I kiss her at the forehead. She
is really happy whenever someone kisses her. For a few days, we decided to get
her out at the hospital for she refuses her medicines. Her only wish is to see
her children for one more time.
8 out of 10 of her children already paid a visit to her last
February 1. My other aunts arrived last February 2 and they got to visit and
see Apong. Just minutes after their arrival, Apong took her last breath and
died. I wasn’t there when she stopped breathing but I know that she had her
wish granted before she died.
Actually, even her death is her answered prayer. She told my
mom at the hospital that she already wishes to die. And so, the Lord answered
her prayer on a Saturday morning of February 2, 2013. She was 89 years old and
I know that she lived a life. It was a good way to die when you know that you
already fulfilled your mission here on earth. As for my apong, I know that she
did.
So just like the lyrics of the song “God be with you, till
we meet again” at her burial day, this will also be my words for you.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
Until we meet again Apong Justina.
Lord, thank you for the good times because I know that you continue to be with me. Thank you for making me happy because it brings blessing to other people. The smile you've painted in my face is one thing that I am grateful for. You've bring joy and peace in my life that no one else can ever give.
