An ode to an alapo

When I opened my email tonight, I read the news of the passing away of one of our alapos. She is lola Agustina Aliban Na-oy - Alagon. She died around 10 am dis morning of September 21, 2010 Tuesday.

She is one of the sisters of our late grandfather, Celestino "Dumanog" Na-oy. Of the five sibling, if i counted it right, only one is still alive: lola Basilia who is in her 90's.  Lolo Dumanog was the first one to go at an age when all of his children are in their 20's and up. Then he was followed by lolo Bacayan then lola Lingayo (the only wake that I traveled as far as Sagada to attend her wake) five years ago.

Nothing much do I remember of her, but the fact that even in their old age, together with the other alapos, they came all the way from Sagada to pay their last respects to my father 19 years ago. The picture is still embedded in my memory. The time and sacrifice and much more the discomfort these sisters  have gone through is endearing and touching. They even cared to talk to me and give me advices. Though I don't remember the exact words, I remember well their message. That is, to behave well because they want me to grow up to be a fine lady.

I admit I'm still in the process of becoming to be that fine lady. But one thing is for sure, their advices/or reprimand is one of the sources of my strength and inspiration to become better each day.

Well, lola Agutina is in her very old age already at the time she died. She have lived her life well. Her cares and concerns in this world is no more. She have seen the successes and good life of her children. Her grand children are doing well and she already have two great grand children. Her legacy lives on through the family she built. It is now her time. Her time to rest and meet her family in heaven.

Rest in peace, lola. And may Christ, our Savior, welcome you in the place He prepared.