Lola's Homegoing Celebration

A Tribute to a Great Matriarch

I just returned from a three week emergency trip to the Philippines, where I spent the first week there caring for my grandmother.  

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.

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.

4th of July Highlights - Barbecue & Boating

I could write about my wonderful time with my extended family over the 4th of July, but I thought I'd just share these wonderful videos. They're way more entertaining! 

A Second Chance for Westin

I volunteered to be an interim foster for a dog recently rescued by the Gadsden County Humane Society. A foster volunteer was willing to take him, but was out of town for work, so I agreed to host Westin until she got back.  

Westin (a tarrier mix) has a second chance at life!

Westin is sweet, lovable, and highly affectionate.  There is little history known about him, but I quickly learned he knew how to behave well in a home.  He immediately found comfort on my couch, and all through the time I had him--- there wasn't a single bark! (That alone should make him highly adoptable!)

Westin looks slightly emaciated, but he's on the mend and is sure to look a lot healthier soon.

Westin came to Gadsden County Animal Control, where the department lacks an animal shelter to keep found and unwanted pets.  To be blunt, these animals don't stay around for very long.  Resources are limited, but they've made great effort working to find new homes for the animals that end up there.  Thankfully, there's a good relationship with the humane society and volunteers stepped up to find foster homes for four dogs. 

Westin is available for adoption.

Thanks to the supporters of the Gadsden County Humane Society, animals like Westin have a second chance! In case you didn't know, GCHS is an all-volunteer organization and doesn't have a facility to house animals.  They rely on the support of volunteers willing to foster cats and/or dogs until they can get adopted.  The commitments to foster are not that difficult... you just need to provide a loving home environment.  GCHS covers medical costs and pet food.  

The more volunteers that come forward willing to help, the more animals like Westin we can save!