The past few weeks have been a blur, a lot has happened…the relief of having another semester over, the fun of going on vacation, the uncertainty of whether I get an internship or not…

All these fade in comparison however, to the sadness of losing someone I love.

My grandmother, my lola…Rosario P. Dejaresco–Charing, as we fondly call her–was called back home. After bravely fighting the complications that ravaged her weathered body, she gave up her spirit and left behind family and friends that will miss her badly.

My life for one, will not be the same without lola. Every morning, I wake up and I still vividly recall her, how she prays her novena prayers at dawn…how she lovingly asks me to be covered with my blanket when I just doze off at the foot of her bed…how she puts on the aircon for me, even if she feels cold…how happy she is when we enjoy the food she had prepared for us…Alas, things do come to an end.

Looking back, I am happy to have made a decision to stay with her three months before flying off to Singapore for my studies. It was one of the best times in my life. I know I made her happy, letting her know I am there for her and how much I love her. And the bonus of all bonuses, I know she loved me back. In fact she loves everyone, whether or not they reciprocate. Such a generous heart she had. During the tribute and honoring we gave her before we laid her to rest, it was evident that she has touched a lot of lives. I doubt if I will ever meet someone like my lola in my lifetime.

Lola, if there is a way that this would ever get to you, please do know that I miss you very much. I got some pictures of you and me from your album, as a remembrance of the happy times we had. You will always be in my heart lola, and my wish is that I could live a life like yours, to keep your memory alive and close. Lola, I know that you are in some place happy already. I will have to content myself with the thought of you looking down on us, encouraging us, as you always do. Thank you for everything, lola. I love you and I miss you.

Till we meet again, there will always be a void in my heart only you can fill.