In Memory Of A Great Man

I have read this article in the PDI (Philippine Daily Inquirer) last January 8 and that was I think the first time my tear ducts have been used this new year... I sort of exploded I think and it doesn't stop there I have this feeling I'll be crying a lot this year for different reasons but hopefully tears of joy... although I doubt it... I'm drifting I'm sorry... if I cry I'd cry...

Anyway this article/opinion piece was made by Patricia Evangelista... here's the link.
It was about her grandfather who died this year... just read on to find out the details...

The reason this piece struck me was the fact that its honesty and simplicity seemed to take the words right out of my mouth for I too lost a special person in my life and tomorrow our family will commemorate my Lolo Adriano's 5th death anniversary, who like Patricia we the family know and lovingly call Lolo Agring...

I found it funny when Patricia was describing her grandfather it just depicted by own lolo down to pat... she was describing the same unassuming man who came from a big family (I think they were 15 siblings in his family) and raised his own big, happy, healthy family (they had nine kids and my mom was one of the youngest) who valued family ties among all other things... my lolo was successful in his own right yet he would never flaunt it, he was a respected individual and a good person. He was good to his family, his friends, and even to people he just met. I knew him as a man who wouldn't utter a word of judgement against another person and if he didn't like someone he would never let it show. That was my lolo as an individual to society: a well-educated man who gave respect and commanded it of himself as well...

To us his family, but mostly to me he was my own Superman... he was greatness personified. He loved us unconditionally, he gave without regard, he was there for us whenever we needed him. Whenever I needed him... I never really had any of those deep conversations with him because age didn't give me that much maturity and insight at 12 years old but I somehow knew what he was always trying to reach across to me... to always do your best but never flaunt it if it becomes a success, be happy with what you have and be grateful towards the people who are close to your heart. I know this because that was how he lived his life. I may never know his entire life story or I may seem like I am blowing this whole thing up but he's my grandfather and he deserves all the gloating that he never did himself.

Lolo Agring was one if not the greatest person to ever be part of my life. It took me this long to realize how much I truly miss him but I guess that it was a good thing to be reminded - by a piece of writing no less - of him just a few days before his 5th year death anniversary. It's been five years and a lot has happened... he wasn't physically able to be there for a lot of changes in my life... he didn't see me graduate something which I truly wished he was there for, to sort of see him beaming at me and being proud of me and encouraging me to do better. I know I might have taken him for granted when I was young because I just didn't know any better but somehow I guess that must have been necessary so that I would get the perspective I have today.

My lolo was taken from us by our Lord maybe thinking that five years ago on Jan. 30, 2001 was his time to finally rest and be with Him. I can't be bitter about it, I have no right to be especially if that was His plan not only for lolo but for the people he left behind and like most things in life there is just simply only too much you can do and then you just have to live and let go...

So here's to a great man... a good person... a loving husband, father, and grandfather. You have given us something we will never forget... your simple but beautiful love for us, your family. I miss you lolo... I love you...