There you were during my childhood, taking care of my brothers and I. Each day you would buy us a drumstick whenever the ice cream truck came. You cooked lunch and dinner each day and night. Though my brothers and I were indeed rowdy children, you still chose to take care of us each day. You told us stories of what your life was like in the Philippines each night. Stories of your childhood. Stories of your husband, Lolo Momo. Stories of my mom, and my aunts and uncles. Stories of immigrating here to America. All intriguing stories indeed.
There you were during my junior high and high school years, but this time I was the one helping my mom take care of you. Helping you walk around my house. Making sure you always have something to drink and eat right beside you. Helping you get in and out of the car. Helping you with your walker when we go out. Even though it was us now taking care of you, I still saw strength in your eyes. Strength that is very rare to see these days.
And there you were during my high school and some of my college years. Even though we don't take care of you anymore, whenever I saw you, you still remained strong. Whenever I talked to you, you always asked me if I had a boyfriend and to make sure that I get a handsome one. To make sure that he is good to me. On your birthday, I sang for you, I danced for you, and I played piano for you. That was one of my greatest last memories of you.
Lola, I will greatly miss you. But, I'm very glad that you saw me grow up. I'm glad you got to see your grand children grow up. I'm glad to see that you got to see your great-grand children. Through your life, I learned how to be strong because you were a very strong woman. You taught your family how to stay close with one another through the gatherings. You always gave us the encouragement we needed. You helped our family grow into who we are now. I love you Lola..
RIP Lola Caridad Lagasca
November 1915 - November 2008
