Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my Lolo’s passing. One year ago on this day, my entire family was together at the hopsital my Grandfather was staying in, comforting each other for what was expected to come. I flew in from California to see him and the moment I entered his room he flashed his trademark smile at me to signify his joy of being together with another one of his Grandchildren. That is one of the moments during that stay at the hospital that stick out most in my mind – that he was able to still smile despite all of the pain and suffering that he was going through. My Grandfather was a man who was always devoted to the well being of his entire family and he would do anything for them. I stayed at the hospital with my Grandfather during his entire stay in order to offer as much support for him that I possibly could. Despite the inevitable, it was beautiful to see our entire family come together to be with him. We provided one another with support and reminisced about all of our great times together. Sadly, his passing came at 7pm on January 28th, 2009.
To think that 1 entire year has gone by already without him is hard to comprehend. The presence of him is still very vivid, clear and fresh in my mind. At times I still feel like I can drive over to his house and visit him. Typically we’d talk over his lunch and then proceed to catch the latest episode of Wowowee or get hooked watching another Pinoy Pinikola (Filipino movie). But these days when I go to visit his house there is a big void that he had left behind. Its odd not seeing him at the dining table enjoying a meal or seeing him on the couch in his favorite spot watching the Filipino channel.
Today, in memory of my Lolo I watched the movies I created as a tribute to him last year. The movie which chronicles his life, displayed an array of photos, including some of my brothers and I during our childhood together with my Grandfather. It again made me think about how time has flown by and how much everyone in our family has grown. In the last couple of years I made the move to California and traveled to 5 different countries – all being wonderful life experiences. However, during my time away from home I always miss being with my family. Its the reason I make an attempt to travel back once a month from California. I enjoy being with my Mom and Pops and acting childish with my brothers, mimicking memories of our childhood. I also love visiting my Aunts and Uncles and seeing my little cousins grow up, doing my best to act as a good influence on them. All of this is due to the family unity that my Grandfather created. Raising 5 children in the Philippines with my Grandmother, he built a loving home, instilling strong family values in his kids and extended that out to his Grandchildren when they were born.
Just wanted to pay my respect and provide a tribute to my Grandfather and his memory. For all that you provided in your lifetime, we are blessed and thankful to have a Grandfather like you Lolo. I’m doing the best I can to continue to work hard for our family in order to build upon the foundation that you had originally set down. Thanks for everything, we all miss you much and we’ll see you soon.
Love Always, Jeffrey
Tags: moises perona sr.
