Saturday, July 14, 2007

A Final Goodbye

Tita San breathed her last breath on earth yesterday morning at 11:20; and then she slept, and slept, never to wake up again except in heaven. Finally, she can rest... but not after putting up such a great fight.

Rosanna Eloisa Papa Sargan was 50 years old when she passed. She left behind her three children, and her partner of many, many years. She also left us, family and friends, whom she has touched. She left us a void; but she also left with us beautiful memories. And for that we are grateful.

I will always remember her as a woman who lived, loved, and laughed. Here was a woman who embraced life, fought for it until the very end. Here was a woman who loved, totally, unselfishly, selflessly, generously, protectively, fiercely and loyally. Here was a woman who laughed... at life even if times were tough; and smiled; unfailing in making others' lives a more joyful one. She was always one who never ran out of things to say; not that she was talkative. She always just seemed interested to know about people, to put them at ease, to share her own experiences and thoughts. She was open; she was warm; and she was so loving.

To Boydee, she will always be his second Mom, who took care of him when he was in the States studying. Both Tita San and Boydee would tell me that they've gone through a lot together. She would tutor him, help him with his homework, and would always, always prepare his lunch pack for him every single day, without fail. She imposed a curfew on him and disciplined him, just like a mother. She said she was more strict towards him than towards her own children because she owed it to her sister, Mommy Shalene, to take care of Boydee in her absence. But how she loved Boydz and all her nieces and nephews and the partners they chose. Love was always something Tita San had in abundance of and she gave and showed it so often, to so many.

We are very privileged to have been touched by her life and to have been recipients of her love, even if we wish and pray that we could have enjoyed that privilege longer. We thank God for letting our paths cross with hers, for planting her into our family, and for making her such a big part of our lives.

Now, as she journeys towards the better world, we ask God to send His angels to guide her path towards Paradise. Our world will be less animated without her, but we are consoled that we have found yet another ally in heaven who will watch over us. This time, even if we don't see her physically, we know she is there. She's not just in our hearts, she is up there in heaven, spreading her love and the best part is, wherever we go, especially to her kids, we will never be separated from her again. She is here with us; she is free; she is more alive than ever before.

Tita San, friend, sister, daughter, lover, mother, room mate, tita, thank you for the gift of your life on earth. Thank you for the memories. You will be greatly missed... You will never be forgotten. Go, be free, and soar to Heaven where Jesus is waiting to welcome you in His warm embrace. You are in a better place now. We love you!


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How endearing your words are for dear tita san. I'm sure that she is now watching us from above. For every ending there is a new beginning....May her unconditional love teach us how to live our lives to the fullest.

Rona said...

Beautiful, Bang! Now WHY didn't we use this for our eulogy for Tita San?!?!? Perfect! Very touching, and oh so true!