STORIES
TO TOUCH THE HUMAN HEART AND
                                                       KNOW THE ESSENCE OF LIFE                      
JANUARY EDITION 2008


                                     A TRIBUTE
                                                    gigette_jonas@yahoo.com
                                                              Philippines

It could have been the rustling sound of twigs falling on my window that woke me up early that Sunday
morning. The morning sun reflected the shadow of a man trimming down the huge tree leaning towards
my room. As I lay on my bed looking on that image, I can't help but remember the years we've spent with
him. Well, forgive me for some sentimental foolishness here but I love to do this, mind you !


It was only yesterday, wasn't it ? Tatay, widowed at his early 40's, raising eight children single-handedly,
sipping coffee at dawn to work early on the ricefield, reaching home at night with his clothes soaked in
mud. With the Herculean responsibility of being both a mother and father to us, Tatay took things lightly.
Perhaps, it was his power to laugh and making people happy that allowed him to radiate with juvenile
spirit amidst the adversities. It could have been too difficult for him without my mother around to share
life with, its pain and joy. I remember the times he would share with us his childhood memories, the
second world war exploits which he can still vividly recall. The horror, the images as it unfolds. Its like
watching the scene on television. When a son died at 37 years old, it was Tatay at his strongest. He
nurtured the family under his protective wings, giving us the strength and wisdom to cope with the loss.
Every birth of a grandson /grand daughter made him the proudest lolo (grandpa) in the world. The mere
sight of his grand children playing around always put that sweetest smile on his face no matter how tired
his spirit was.

I would recall the times when we always put into question the validity of his decisions, his seemingly
spartan rules, his uncompromising stance on some family issues. But his innate sense of leadership
made him one of the most respectable man in the community. His opinions and counsel were always
sought and shared them unselfishly in honesty and in his best judgment. How time flies indeed ! Old age
now claimed his youth. At 86, Tatay has definitely reached his seasoned years. His comical side still
radiates joy to an otherwise dull phase of his twilight years.

It was truly a day of memories, and I guess I needed it - just to be reminded how lucky I am to still be
able to share a huge portion of my life with such a wonderful person. Ours was an evolutionary journey
and through the years, our bond has reached a certain degree of sincerity and candor. I am neither a
poet nor a memoirist but the older I get, the more convinced I became that the only method of
conquering life is to embrace each day with hope, acceptance and recognition of the countless
blessings God has bestowed upon us. Tatay being one......