The Holy Week

Anak,

We spent holy week at your grandparents’ home. Lolo Nick and Lola Day were very happy because it’s been years since we last spent holy week with them. The past 3 years, we have been visiting papa during lent.

We arrived there on Thursday around lunch time. Lola’s feast of yummy food was already waiting for us. Kuya Kryll, Kuya Ken2 and Kuya In-in were also waiting for you. Mama is thankful that you are close to your cousins despite the fact that you seldom see each other. You spent the entire afternoon playing while mama took a nap.

Friday, we went to church and I was really impressed that you managed to stand up as the very lengthy seven last words and gospel were read. As is the tradition during Good Friday, we lined up to pay homage to the crucified Christ. We then joined the procession around the plaza after mass. We got to see mama’s old friends and some relatives in church but it is sad that only a few people were there. When mama was younger, the church was always full on Good Friday.

Saturday was spent preparing food for your great grandma’s death anniversary on Easter Sunday. Nanay Eda, as we fondly call her, is Lolo Nick’s mother. She single-handedly raised Lolo Nick and Lola Isay because Tatay Benito died when Lolo Nick was only four months old. She lived with us during the last years of her life and she used to give all of us grandchildren P5 each everytime she harvests her coconuts. We always looked forward to that because that was the only time we’d have extra baon. Haha!

Sunday morning, we finished preparing food for Nanay Eda’s death anniversary. Mama was delighted that you liked the fried chicken she cooked. Tita Chiq baked cakes and you and Kuya Kryll had a blast licking off the left over chocolate frosting. The death anniversary lunch was held at Lola Isay’s house. A number of our relatives were there and you again had a good time playing with your cousins. Mama, meanwhile was busy catching up with all the older relatives.

I pray that you will carry on traditions mama has grown up with. I pray that you will continue to value and form deep relationships with your relatives. As I repeatedly say, remember that when life becomes cruel, wherever you may be, whatever success you have achieved, you have all these people to come home to.