This is the last time that I saw Lola Cion alive. It was on her 91st birthday on December 8, 2010.I will treasure this picture. Next to her are Lolo Manuel, her younger brother and Auntie Elena, Lolo Manuel's youngest daughter.
She was on high spirit that day. She was surrounded by her loved ones. She told me that it was exceptional day that she was up mingling with others. Otherwise, she could have been lying on her bed resting. She easily got tired with her age.
I was happy to see her. My visit was so brief. I was bringing with me some pictures taken during my two daughters' wedding last summer and she was very happy. She remembered them well when they were still small. We used to stay in her house when my family were taking vacation in the Philippines. That was the time when Lola Cion and myself have developed a very special relationship.
I left her that afternoon with a heavy heart. I felt that it was probably the last time that I would be seeing her alive. And I was right.
She passed away February 4, 2011 and immense sadness had struck me. But one thing that assured me is that she's well where she is now. Our loved ones who have departed are surely happy to welcome her and be in their midst.
I will never forget her kindness to us. She's soft spoken and had never raised her voice. She had always that kind and encouraging words to offer. I have learned about our family and kins. She gave me copies of our family tree written by her own hands. A very important record of the family.
She remained single all her life but she had helped and sent to school many of her neices and nephews.
When we were having vacation, we had the chance to spend time chatting together...we called this sessison " the adobong tsismis" and we could have even reached until wee hour in the morning as we have never seen the time passed by.
She had taught me family values. That whatever happens, the family is always there for us. I will surely treasure those rare moments together.
Lola Cion was one of the most exceptional woman I have ever known. A respected and loved by everyone. She was a a good example among her co- workers. She had a very honorable career as a school principal in local schools.
I always looked up on her. I remember her being so little, well and smartly dressed as she went to school. A kind but strict woman at class.
She was a God loving woman. She never failed reading her bible and never failed to pray to her Mama Mary.
She never failed to write back whenever I sent her letters or thank me when I gave her stuff.
With so many family branches have scattered all over the world, one of the family members asked me in Facebook how I am relaled to her.
Well, Lola Cion was my late grandfather Marcelino's (father side) younger half-sister. Their late father Policarpio Abenojar got married three times to all Andrada women. Lolo Marcy was the eldest and from the first marriage. Lola Cion was from the third marriage. My father then was lola Cion's nephew.
Thanks to lola Cion's family tree record that we could trace our geneaology.
We simply give hommage to this wonderful woman who had touched so many people's lives by her kindness, faithfulness, generosity and for her unconditional love.
She will be greatly missed. As we look up high in the sky, we know that she's there smiling, watching over us, still keep loving and praying for us.
Thank you Lola Cion. Thank you for all the things you have done to us. You are a blessing to the family.
We will never forget you and you will always have that special place in our hearts. God bless you always. And we love you too.
I know you are safe, happy and in good hands.
