Life With L&M: Saying Goodbye

Photo card made by my cousin, Liane Angeles

Yesterday, we laid my Lola (grandma in tagalog) to rest. It was one of those bittersweet moments. I am completely heartbroken and saddened that she is gone, yet I feel a sense of joy and peace knowing that she lived a wonderful life and she is finally resting with those whom she has lost before.
I put together a book of collected memories from family members and I thought I would share what I wrote.

Death is sometimes viewed in such a negative light. For Lola, it was her ticket home. Her one-way ticket to once again be with the love of her life, to once again see her youngest child she should have never of had to bury and the rest of the loved ones she lost along her life’s journey.

Lola was many things to me. She was my caretaker, my chef, my hairdresser, my advice giver, my fashion guru and most of all my Lola. Most of my childhood memories have her in it. When I was in grade school, Lolo would pick Jet and I up from school and take us back to their place. Millie and Angelo would be there as well. She would always cook us our favorite snack, fresh cut French Fries with the skin still on. Then she would turn on MTV (back when they actually played music videos) and make us all dance to the music. She would French braid my hair as tight as possible and I would remember my eyes were extra squinty because it was pulled back so tight. I remember when I was in third grade, my cousin Millie (she’s two years older than me) got a perm. Her hair was long and pretty. I was so jealous and I wanted one to. Lola didn’t even hesitate and before I realized what was happening, I was sitting in the kitchen with a head full of rollers. Next thing I knew, I had short, curly hair. Not to mention, bangs. Short, poofy bangs. I don’t think I was expecting that much curl. Needless to say, I learned to appreciate my straight hair. Come to find out from some of the older cousins, I wasn’t the only one she gave a perm to. There is at least three who can attest. Maybe more if they are willing to admit and cough up some pictures.

In high school, she would always ask me if I had a boyfriend and to make sure that if I did have one, he needs to be able to drive. She was such a beautiful lady. Always well dressed and accessorized. She told me that she never left the house without getting ready first. Even if it was just to run a simple errand. She told me to always get dressed and never go out in my “house” clothes. I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty tough. If she was ever introduced to leggings or yoga pants, she may have changed her views. Then again, she probably would have dressed it up and would have looked amazing as always.

Lola, I am lucky that you were able to meet my girls, Lily and Mia. I am happy for you that you are finally at peace but I am also sad that my girls will not get to grow up to see what a truly amazing woman you are. You will live on in the stories I tell them about those good ole days and through my mom whom I believe is just like you. I love you Lola and I will miss you. Forever and ever.

There were so many people in attendance yesterday which proved how much my Lola meant to those who knew her. She touched the lives of all those around her.