| The eulogy i wrote for my grandma
January 16, 2008
Lourdes Rodriguez was known by many names: Mama, Ate Lou, Lulu, Mama Lou, Tita Lulu, and Ondak. But her family knows her as Lali, and there is only one Lali in the world, and that is because I was the one who christened her with that nickname. Reason being, I had a thing with rhyming when I was younger and I couldn’t say Lola. She was there for me from the moment that I was born, and nurtured me like I was one of her own. And in return I looked up to her as a mother. Anything that my Lali asked I did, I put down whatever it was I was doing just to make her happy. Just take her last Christmas for example. I promised her that I would put up her tree, and when she got back home from the Philippines it would be done and ready for her. Low and behold, she hated it. So of course, I took everything down and redid it the way she desired. I wanted to make sure that this was a Christmas that she’ll never forget and I’m sure it was a Christmas to be remembered by all of us. Memories like that is what makes me miss here even more.
I will miss the way her thumb twitches against her fingers after every syllable. The way she brushes her hair with her plastic green Tupperware brush. And just like everyone else, I will miss her cooking. The way her kare-kare comforts your stomach after laughing so hard at a family get together, or the smell of sautéed onions and garlic when you walk into the house. But most of all I will miss the love that she gave. Lali stood by me and believed in me when no one else did. She held my hand when I was weak and gave me hope to move on when I was lost.
Lali is truly one of a kind. Her smile and laughter can brighten up a room, and it’s just like what someone said, “She is the sunshine in the fog of Daly City”. She truly had a way of bringing people together, and even when she is no longer here she is still capable of doing it. This is because of the love, time, and memories that she planted into our hearts. “Lali, marami pong salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo para sa amin lahat. Hindi ma ipag papalit ng ano man yaman o karangyaan, ang pag mamahal, at malasakit na iyong binigay at inalay para sa amin”.
The night that she passed away I found myself standing in her room next to the bed, on the side that she usually sleeps. I was caressing the bed as if she was still there sleeping. For some odd reason, this song popped into my mind. “All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go. I’m standing there outside your door. I hate to wake you up to say goodbye. I’m leaving on a jet plane; I don’t know when she’ll be back again. Oh babe, I hate to go”. Lali is on her jet plane to heaven to be with God.
I know that she has fulfilled what she really wanted in life. She was able to come to the United States, raise her seven wonderful kids, and witness the birth of 12 brilliant grandchildren and 2 adorable great grandchildren. Also, she was able to own a house with a grotto that over looked a huge backyard, covered with her favorite flowers and plants. Along with that she was able to travel the world, get in touch with her spiritual side, and gained friends that will carry her memories. The only thing that she would hate to miss is to watch her grandchildren grow up, especially attending their graduation. Lastly, she did not want to miss Lolo’s 70th birthday this year, and their 50th Wedding anniversary in 2010.
On behalf of the whole family I would like to thank each and every one of you for being here this morning. Many of you traveled a long way just to see her for the last time. I know that she really appreciated everyone who visited her when she was sick. It reaffirmed the fact that many cared for her. The amount of people that showed their love for her will be with her for eternity.
Lali, this is only a temporary goodbye, and I know we will see each other again. Thank you for being strong when you were in pain, for holding this family together, and above all for being the best Lali in the whole world. I love you Lali, and I will always be your Renzie Bobong.
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i love you lali...may you rest in peace. |
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| 21 on the 24th!!! yee!!!! |
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| I LOVE taking only monday and tuesday classes...so technically I have almost 2 weeks of spring break! YEE!!!
Things to look forward to:
Tonight: Time to get plastered
March 18: Mel's Birthday
March 19: 1st day as a Service Supervisor
March 23: Edralin Wedding Anniv.
March 23-25: San Diego =D
March 31- April 3: VEGAS!!!!!!
Dispite all the negative things occuring in my life...at least I have other things to look forward to. On a side note: I love my friends...I am greatful to have you guy in my life, I don't know what I would do without all of you.
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