Lola Pen

Yesterday, we went to Bulacan to celebrate Lola Pen's 83rd birthday.

We have always been celebrating her birthday ever since she turned 75. For all of us, Pen, as we fondly call her, is a blessing. She has always been a loving mother to my mom and my uncles and aunt, and has always been a great grandmother for us, her grandchildren. Through the years, she has been blessed with excellent health, in which she has devoted her time to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, teaching them things parents cannot simply teach, and loving them in a way only a grandmother like her can.

But yesterday, we were saddened by the fact that Pen's health, despite her remarkable strength at her age, was declining. She has been unable to eat by herself for three days because of a severe bout of hypertension. My mom wanted to admit her to a nearby hospital, but the old one stubbornly remained at home, as she wanted to see us, her grandchildren living in Manila.

However, before we left, she said something in a voice only a very tired person can say:

"Matanda na ako. Gusto ko na mamahinga."

We went home with doubt filling our saddened hearts.

Pen, mahal na mahal kita.