Diary
Farewell Abuela
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| Abuela and I on my 4th of July birthday in San Francisco |
Several days ago, I received the sad news from family in the U.S. that my 96-yearold Abuela left us. I was at a loss for words. As my facebook newsfeed were filled with words of love for her, I dealt with it in silence. I wondered for a moment if my deceased father fetched her that day, partly happy that she'll reunite with her son and husband in paradise.
She has lived a full life, blessed with a wonderful family who loves her dearly. I've always known her to be a strong and intelligent woman. Before I was born, she was a college Chemistry professor at a university in the Philippines. She was also an excellent cook. She indulged us with Spanish inspired cuisine when we were little whenever she comes home for holidays in the Philippines where I spent summers with her and my cousins. She was a stickler for proper etiquette and poor table manners were never tolerated on the table.
Alzheimers started eating away her memories during her last decade. There were times she'd remember me after introducing myself along with the name of my father. It was sad though seeing her cry whenever she heard his name. She referred to him as "my son who passed away." On a lighter note, she never forgot the Periodic Table and all the Elements.
I am always grateful for the opportunity to see her and the entire family based in the U.S. in 2009. Coincidentally, it was also my birthday. For the next posts, I will reminisce on our vacation in San Francisco. While I do so, I'll be thinking about her.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.
Love & Light,
Arni
9 comments
So sorry to hear about you abuela, best wishes for you and your family Arni. Alzheimer is just a devastating illness my abuela had the same before she left us some years ago and it's really sad to see them changing so fast and forgot about everything.
ReplyDeleteA bunch of kisses
Xxx
seems like she was an elegant and delightful lady, Arni! She lived a very long life.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you loss, Arni. That's one of the most difficult parts of being an expat for me, fearing the day that a hone call will deliver such sad news. You feel so powerless when you're so far away.
ReplyDeleteThe human mind it's something fascinating, we can forget about the most important people in our lives but remember meaningless details such as all the elements from the periodic table.
Hope you get some peace of mind this weekend xx
Hi, Arni! I know you might not be looking for small blog awards right now, as you have more important things on you mind with grieving your lovely Abuela, but I just nominated you for a Lovely Blog Award on my blog. Yours is my favourite blog so you're first on the list.
DeleteHave a good week xo
Hi Arni, I am so sorry to hear that she passed away. But oh lord, what a proud age! Bless her! Today it is also a very sad day for my family since my grandpa passed away this morning. Grief is a strong emotion and I really have to keep myself together for the coming days in the office.
ReplyDeleteLove and light also to you
Best
Svenja
I'm thinking of you Arni. It's so tough losing those who you love and I'm here if you ever want to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteoh i'm so sorry to hear arni. my thoughts are with you and your family. sending much peace and comfort. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Grandmother. It's so hard to lose a loved-one. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. She sounds like an impressive woman.
ReplyDelete