in remembrance

We laid Lola Caring to rest yesterday, September 28, after having lived 86 years.  She gave birth to 13 children, had 33 grandchildren and 27 greatgrandchildren (and these are the only ones we are sure of). 

The last few days spent in Bohol were sad times. It was a family reunion but our beloved matriarch was no longer with us. But in true Rubillar fashion... we sang, we drank, and we celebrated the many happy memories we have with our mama-lola. 

It is sad to think that she will not be there any more offering some humba and kinilaw for us to eat in Vissara or rice for us to bring home to manila. There won't be anyone to call to announce that you're home once again. There won't be any need to ask for Cali because that's her favorite drink. No one to ask permission from when we go have cousin bonding on the sundeck ("Lola, we'll just be drinking juice.")

It is more important to remember the many things she imparted to us...

a love for travel (she's always in some other place visiting a relative)

a sense of frugality (save your plastic cups for another trip to the beach. you never know when you'll need another jollibee cup.)

being strongly independent (until the last days of her life and even in her death, she was always fully capable of providing for herself)

generosity (you can always expect to get something from her whenever there's an occasion)

a love for fun (we all love to sing and dance and we got this from our lola)

I love you Lola. Bohol will not be the same without you. 

I cant remember when you werent there
When I didnt care for anyone but you
I swear weve been through everything there is
Cant imagine anything weve missed
Cant imagine anything the two of us cant do

Through the year, youve never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days Ive found
Ive found with you ... through the years
Ive never been afraid, Ive loved the life weve made
And Im so glad Ive stayed, right here with you
Through the years

I cant remember what I used to do
Who I trusted whom, I listened to before
I swear youve taught me everything I know
Cant imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad
I knew how much we had, Ive always been so glad
To be with you ... through the years
Its better everyday, youve kissed my tears away
As long as its okay, Ill stay with you
Through the years

- Through the Years by Kenny Rogers