Tita
What I only know now is to write ode to my Tita- so here it goes.
Tita was a mother to me and my siblings. My earliest memory of her was when she spent the New Year’s at our house. She brought her big videocamera (with extra blank tapes) taking shots of us enjoying the the fireworks. On the days she was with us, she taught me how to do email- so that I could send her e-cards and her the same to me. She gave me her @brookfields email- her work email. I wished I sent you more e-cards, even though they looked spam mails now.
As we grew up, I and my siblings would take turns talking to her on the phone whenever she called on Sundays at 9PM (usually). Us, as kids, would grunt a little because it would take us away from the TV. But we were obliged because our parents wanted to thank Tita for all the gifts she sent in the balikbayan boxes. Now, I wished Tita had more phone cards so she could call more often and I could talk to her more even about most mundane stuff.
As we grew up, we talked to her more on our own- chatting with her on facebook. We came with her on her trips whenever she gets a vacation in the Philippines while showering us with all her gifts and blessings too. The first time I went to Puerto Galera, we were with Tita. She was also with us when I first went to Caramoan to endure the long van ride to bicol and the wavy boat ride to the island. The trips with her was always filled with food and laughter- coupled with farts along the way. I wish you had more vacation days so we could have more beach trips together.
Tita was my number 1 supporter. She supported me when I wanted to be a lawyer. She supported me when I did not want to be a lawyer anymore. She supported me when I wanted to do MBA. She supported me when I wanted to study abroad. She gave me my very first laptop to help me do my studies in college. She only wanted me to be successful in the happiest way I can be. I wish I shared more of my successes as I know you would rejoice in them too.
Tita always shared her blessings. She was the person who wanted everyone to be included. She was the definition of inclusivity and unity within the family. She shared her gifts with everyone even to people whose name she doesn’t know. Even through sharing of isaw, she wanted to invite everyone to the party. She wanted to share more even through the simplest of ways. She may not have kids of her own, because she made sure that everybody was part of her family.
I am sorry for not being able to be there when you needed your family. You made sure I did not feel alone when I was on my own abroad. You called me up every day simply to make sure I was okay. And I am sorry for not being able to return the same warmth you made me feel. You are my teacher too- so, I will always remember to make everyone feel the love you made us feel. Today, I am sending all my good energy and love to you to make the journey from pain to love.
There is no more pain now, Tita. You get to see our Maker now and feel the infinite love He has given and will continue to give to you. Know that you made me and all those people around you better for the love you so unhesitatingly gave to us. We never said goodbyes- but hope to see you again!
