Until we meet again

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 89^th 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.