all souls day

November 10, 2008

Being raised by devoted Catholic parents, it is a tradition to observe “All Souls Day”, to pay respect to my departed loved ones, my dad along with my three brothers and sister.  I bought a round trip ticket via Cokaliong shipping lines leaving last Oct. 30 (Thursday) and back on Nov. 30 (Sunday).  I brought some flowers, candles and some fruits to my mother and sister.  The ship left at about 8:30pm and I could hardly sleep through out the night, images kept coming back on my mind, the unforgettable moments with my dad, the ever dependable, principled man and most of all the smiles and tears and the craziness we did while growing up with my siblings. No words can explain how much I miss them. I just keep asking myself why they left so soon.  I guess God has His own reason and that we should accept. Though things may not go the way we wanted it to be but nevertheless, life must go on no matter what happens.  I know life is a gift and at the same time, a mystery.   I arrived my hometown at lunch time on the following day. I met my 87 year old mom and ever beautiful sister; the whole afternoon was devoted in flower arrangement and talking about the good old days.

Nov. 1 (Saturday),  we visited my grandmother and sister in a neighboring public cemetery, we cleaned, lighted some candles and offered flowers and prayers , we met some cousins and friends.

The following day  Nov. 2, “All Souls Day” (Sunday) we left early and stayed  until 3:00 pm on the family mausoleum, we brought some foods  like suman, bingka, biko mostly Filipino delicacies and some food for lunch. The place was filled with beautiful fresh flowers; it was like a haven of flowers. I met some cousins, classmates and friends. However deep inside I can’t stop feeling empty and sad for being apart from some of my loved ones. I left my hometown at around 3:30pm and went to the city and visited my close relatives in a private memorial and met my cousins.

 

The ship departed at around 8:30pm the sea was amazingly calm and peaceful.   I felt so relieved, so good that I have done my own little way of showing how much I love them. Funny as it may sound, it was the only time I realized that I was too tired and exhausted that I was able to sleep early that night.