After consider the advice from the twosome while en route to the first of two viewings yesterday evening, I typed up this four-paged eulogy (Arial Black and 14 points) at work:
Thank you for coming family and friends: [To tell you the truth I had drafted so many versions. And with the support and love of my family, I kept the speech short and sweet, just like old granny, and from the heart].
INTRODUCTION
Let me start out by introducing myself. I’m the oldest of twelve surviving grandchildren of my Lola. I was born to her second of eight children, a son by the name of R[…] (or simply Roger), who is married to my mother, Fely. I have a younger brother Roger Jr. by three years. He is the eldest male grandchild and third in line of the grandchildren. He is married to Lindsey his beloved wife. My name is F[…] S[…] B[…]. But I’m simply known as Lyn by my relatives.
[brief pause here]
STORY 1:
I remember Lola calling out to me in her tiny voice: “Lyn! Lyn!” She would give me her usual hugs and kisses by sniffing at my cheeks twice – [one on the right and one on the left]. I said to myself: “Alight! Lola loves me!” Alas, she would inquire without fail: “Where’s Junior my grandson? Is he in school? I want to give him a hug!” Right there, I felt she loved Junior, my brother more than me. But I simply smiled knowing that she love the both of us.
[brief pause here]
STORY 2:
I remember Lola showed her love for my immediate family by showering us with gifts of gold jewelry — necklaces, bracelets and rings. Lola, I will forever treasure your gifts of love. And tonight I wear those two pairs of rose-cut diamond earrings that you gave to me when I was a little girl.
[brief pause here]
STORY 3:
I remember Lola for her unique sense of humor. To show her appreciation of our gifts – clothes, cakes and cards on special occasions, such as Mother’s Day, Christmas and birthdays, she would smile up at us and show us what I would call a “fish face”. It involves an exaggerated version of a kiss, a pucker by bringing the two lips together that resembles a fish sucking in air. For those interested I’ve uploaded some photos of Lola’s funny face on my Facebook account.
CONCLUSION
[brief pause here]
But tonight, let us remember Lola for what she really is:
- She was a dedicated wife who served Lolo Mac his daily coffe and food, helped put on his socks and shoes during his old age and stayed by his side during his brief stay at a local hospice until he died. That shows in and of itself a traditional Filipino marriage and pride in her man — through thick and thin — and until death.
- She was a strong mother with all the love and care she show her eight adult children the best possible way she could while living in the Philippines and here in America.
- She was above all as someone who loves each of us in her own special way.
Let us all remember Lola not only as a quiet and reserved person but as a loving human being.
[I was online browsing the Yahoo! news and came across a news article]: As Warren Buffet explained in an exclusive interview with Yahoo! News and Huffington Post:
“There is no power on earth like unconditional love.”
[From this billionaire we could learn something.] From this quote, we call could learn that it has nothing to do with money [but staying together as family, relatives and friends, learning to forgive each other while still alive and before death].
[brief pause here with crying voice]
May God keep you always, Lola. You will always remain in my heart and in my memory. I love you Lola. Rest in Peace.
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I was the first up. Three daughters, two sons and three other grandchildren gave their eulogy with my brother being the last to say sorry and promises to lead a better life.
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