Lyn has decided for us to keep the blog going throughout our
trip to the Philippines. She would like a record of our travel there and to be
able to share our trip with friends and family around the world who cannot make
it back to the Philippines to her Mom’s funeral. Hopefully I can write it in a
way that will capture the moments and give her a way to remember our time
there. Lyn’s Mom was a strong woman who raised seven of her own children and
was a mother figure to countless others. Lyn always said that she was strict
but fair and really cared about everyone that was there. I can attest to this.
On my last trip to the Philippines Lyn’s Mom always made sure that someone was
with me to make sure that I had no problems wherever I went. Even if I left the
hotel just to get a coke I had an entourage with me at all times. I am so glad
that we were able to renew our wedding vows there and that I was able to meet
both Lyn’s Mom and Dad and really get to spend time with them.
Well it has been a couple of tough days. After learning
about the death of Lyn’s Mom we drove for two days to get home. We finally
arrived Wednesday night around 9. I think my Dad wonders sometimes if his age
is slowing him down. Well yes in some ways it has. He walks with an unusual
gate and probably cannot win a foot race but put him behind the wheel of a car
and he is “The Man” We drove over 11 hours each day through some crazy traffic
and a few wrong turns near Chicago. No matter what the situation, he always
managed to pop up in my rear view mirror. On the way home Lyn and I made lists
of things that needed to get done over the next two days. We leave for the
Philippines on Saturday and will be there until the 30th of July. I
am sure our trip will be filled with great sorrow and great joy as we celebrate
the life of Lyn’s Mom.
Lyn wrote this about her Mom. I think it sums up the kind of
woman that she was and the legacy that she leaves behind.
“I just want to thank all of our
family, friends and relatives in behalf of Lamorena family! You're thoughts,
prayers, messages, calls & texts really help us go through this grieving
time! It really meant a lot to me & my family. I feel that my mom is
fortunate enough to be surrounded with loving people. During her lifetime, most
of my relatives (cousins) love her as a mother figure for out of all of her 11
siblings, there are only 3 of them left. She helps them in their formative
years, some of them stayed with us & she selflessly dedicate herself as a
mother to them despite being a little strict, they loved her! They know they
can count on her advices whenever they have problems. She is helpful, kind
hearted, sweet & friendly person. Always cheerful to her friends. All of my
nieces & nephews love to sleep-over at night just to be with her! They call
her "mamangkit"(grandma) which sounds so sweet to me & she loves
it! Most of the time she thinks of them first rather than herself. Mamang, you
are the best and you're always be missed! I love you so much! Thank you for
bringing me into this world and tendering me into a person I am now! I will
always treasure the love, advices, hugs, kisses and care you've given me!
You're forever be in my heart! Now, you finally reunited with Papang ! We love
you both & thank you for looking after us!”
