When I finally had to leave my dad's home province to spend a few days with my mom's family in Mindanao, my aunt told me she had a feeling my grandmother didn't want me to be there when she died. My grandmother finally passed on 06 August, while I was in President Roxas, Cotabato.I flew back a few days later, to participate in the mourning rituals and activities-- my first ever such experience in the Philippines. A week of mourning finally concluded on 14 August with a blessing at the church followed by interment.
My cousin asked me to prepare a eulogy to honor our grandmother:
I stand today, a grandson stricken with grief, yet united in love with my family to celebrate the life of our great matriarch.
On behalf of my family, and especially by my father in America, who sent me to represent him before you today, we extend our warmest appreciation for the gift of your presence.
There is so much to say about 97 years in the life of this most remarkable woman, and I could hardly do justice in offering proper homage in this brief moment.
I want to offer you just a few of my thoughts as I reflected upon the life of my Lola, an extraordinary woman who endured so much yet gave so generously to many others, including all of us gathered here today.
My Lola’s life is a great lesson to never underestimate the power that one person has the ability to impact positive change in this world.
After all, it was one woman who helped sponsor countless many in the advancement of their education and are now career professionals.
It was one woman who enabled and supported countless many in their desire to go abroad and earn enough to sustain their families.
It was one woman who helped and healed so many during times of desperation, whether hunger, sickness, or tragedy.
From the power of one woman-- my Lola-- whom we honor today-- is a long lasting legacy that created a better life for her family than the pains of hardship she endured.
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| Sibalom Church, 14 August 2011 |
In 97 years, Lola witnessed so much history, celebrated many great birthdays, and other important family events. However, she also survived the perils of war, overcame the struggles of poverty, prevailed in supporting her family as a widow and the ultimate grief of any mother-- coping with the loss of children.
Lola, you will sacrifice no more.
You will suffer no more.
What you have endured is now the past.
You have earned your eternal reward with our God in heaven. May He welcome you and say, “Well done, faithful servant.”
Let us recall the greatest measure of one’s life is never the amount of gold or earthly treasures accumulated here on earth. The greatest measure of one’s life is how you use those gifts entrusted from our Creator to effect goodness in the glory of God.
God blessed my Lola with many gifts... gifts of healing, perseverance, and love. We, the beneficiaries of her gifts, will never forget.
My Tatay-- no doubt a lesson from his mother-- has always told me, “if you plant, you will harvest.”
Lola planted many seeds of healing, love, education, and opportunity within many of us here and beyond.
Lola, as you enter the gates of heaven, present before God, all of us here as your harvest... for the honor and glory to the King of Kings.
And now, as those who remain here, our responsibility is to continue the task and plant seeds of healing, love, education, and opportunity that not only honors the legacy of Elena Balitucha, but gives glory to God.
My family wishes to acknowledge and extend our appreciation to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time, most especially to Pelita Silva and her family. Ate, you have remained our constant link of communication between here and America, and we truly appreciate you.
And to my family, especially Papang Benny and Auntie Beth, this occasion is bittersweet. We have lost someone we love so much, but heaven has joyously gained an angel who will continue to watch over us always.
Thank you all for your kindness and prayers. May our Lord God Almighty bless you all.