My grandparents are special to me because they shared about who they were, what made them who they were, and what they stand for. I wrote about who they were to me and how I understood them, as that's how they imparted the things that made them special to me.
Who was Lolo Val?
Lolo Val was my dad's dad, and he had many things in common with Dad, as they both were intelligent, loved listening to news, loved spending fun times with me, and were serious and dedicated with whatever they were doing.
He would teach me many things from his head knowledge about books, science, agriculture, and math. Sometimes he would tell me jokes that, most of the time, I couldn't get the punchline out of; he'd let me and my cousin, Ate Shayne, borrow and dance to the music of his radio that would always be by his side; he'd let me read a little out of the Bible he also always kept near him, and tickled my foot and dare me not to laugh.
We were never really that close, like best friends close, but I know that we enjoyed each other's company and admired each other's qualities and personalities without really saying it. I don't really miss him that deeply, maybe because I was never really that close, but every time that I remember Lolo Val, there's just that strong sense of honour because of the great deeds that he did that I can see in the legacy he left in my father, Lola Lyd, and his children.
Who is Lola Lyd?
Lola Lyd is my dad's mom, and I can see that he got most of his boldness and smarts from her, as she was a midwife and cancer survivor from previous years, and a talkative, knowledgable, and deeply faithful Catholic woman today.
In the character of all mothers and women, she loves doting upon her children and grandchildren. And in thanks, we return her love by including her in all family events, taking her on mall dates, sending her handmade cards, having heartfelt conversations, arranging her trips to visit abroad, and in every other way that we can tell her how important she is in our lives.
I am one of her seven após, but she treats as all with the same specialness. She has served me many tasty meals, entertained me with many stories about her life and her kids, taught me many lessons, given me many gifts, and welcomed me in her home and with her presence many times. I admire her for being the most courageous, selfless, and valiant grandmother anyone could have.
By blessing others, she has been blessed back a hundredfold from the fruits she had sowed so lovingly. I hope that I'll be able to honour Lola Lyd with all that I'm able, because her value justified through Jesus is immeasurable.
Who was Lolo Gil?
Lolo Gil was my mom's dad. Every Christmas before we moved to Kathmandu, we would go down to the province to see both sets of grandparents, and it was as well, because Lolo Gil was unable to walk due to his diabetes. The four things I remember him for was his strictness, invalidity, art, and that he was the first in my mom's family to be saved in the Christian faith.
We never talked much, as I spent my time going on adventures in their big house and outside in the garden, read all the books my grandma had in the house, or played with my cousins, and I decided, as a child, that he was quite a boring person to be with, and therefore never attempted to socialise with him. About the only words I remember he spoke to me was not to bang the screen door when I went out, and that he liked my violin recital. But I don't blame him.
I guess it was his decision that he'd already done enough in life and was struggling with the pain of being sick to make friends with his granddaughter. Yet, I'm not angry at him for that.
I guess I just didn't know him enough to have any clear opinions about him. But now, it makes me a little sad and regretful that my younger self didn't want to get to know him more - other than from his artwork, his impact on his family and mine, and the stories about his good work - because gathering from those things, there was, obviously, more to him than what met the eye.
Still, I owe a whole lot to the things I do know about what Lolo Gil did. His children are the greatest examples, because I appreciate everything I've learned about and through them -- especially Mom. He brought the Abela family to salvation, and contributing his artist gene to our bloodline, both of which got passed on to me and my siblings!
If in some way Lolo Gil ever reads this, I want to tell him I'm sorry for not trying to get to know him better, but I thank him with my whole life for being my grandfather, and introducing Jesus Christ to my mom's whole family.
Who is Lola Cory?
Lola Cory is my mom's mom, and Mom is just like a carbon copy of her. That's probably why I feel Lola Cory relays the same kind of love and care my mom gives to me.
Well, the thing I love the most about her is her gentleness, which I mainly witness from the way she cares for her garden and home in Masbate.
Lola Cory's garden is a place of wonder; I love basking in the sunlight there, exploring its nooks and crannies, studying the colourful plants, and even seeing beautiful birds lighting on it. The house is another marvellous thing, and it's where my imagination runs aground and where many of my adventures took place.
I appreciate Lola Cory for being a good steward of all that's been given to her, and because she contributed lots to my adventurous spirit!
