Our Final Day - Blogabond

On our final day in the Philippines, the sun finally came out! We spent most of the day packing, visiting my grandparent’s house, and visiting the cemetery one final time. When we got to the mausoleum, my sister and I saw a stairwell to the roof. We asked what that was for. On All Souls day, a party is held in the cemetery. The stairs to the rooftop is the give the family some place to party at.

FINAL THOUGHTS
When we visited in 2004, I didn't think that I would have the opportunity to visit the Philippines again so soon. I do hope to visit again in the future...and this time to visit and not come for a funeral.

Mama Baket is the last of my grandparents to pass away. At 96, she's lived a very fruitful life. I was asked to speak at the funeral, but declined because I didn't know what to say. I still don't know exactly what to say. So all I'd like to say is thank you to her. She's made many sacrifices in her life and without those sacrifices I wouldn't be where I'm at today. She's helped guide my family and provided the foundation for all of us to achieve our goals.

Sadly, I didn't get a chance to fully know Mama. I'm one of the younger cousins and by the time I was old enough, Mama and Daddy were living in the Philippines. But from the stories that I've heard, Mama was always willing to help out anyone. I hope that I can emulate that in my life.

XXX

Last time in 2004 as we were leaving the Philippines, my cousins sang us a farewell with the hope that we'd visit again. I'd like to share this again just as a reminder to myself that to return to this beautiful country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB3fX8DnTTU

written by

James Coloma on July 19, 2009 from Ilocanos Norte, Philippines

from the travel blog: Grandmother's Funeral

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