A Letter to Mama. You've been everything that a mother is-- kind, loving, caring, concerned, hard-working, calm, sweet, cheerful and giving - - never expecting something in return. The best legacy you've given me is showing me how to survive life's challenges, starting from when Papa got sick and died too soon, while I was at an early age. By watching you go through it all, I learned how to survive. I learned that through love, prayer and togetherness, we can make it all--- and that, no matter what, it will be fine. Life goes on... your legacy remains in us, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Everything that I learned from you -- patience, endurance, comfort, devotion to family, forgiveness, and courage to walk on, amidst life's challenges, I've passed on to my own family. This was your wealth, your legacy -- traits that not even all the money in the world can buy. I never witnessed Papa's life in full perspective. After all, to what extent could a 10-year old comprehend the concepts of success, sickness, pain and suffering and, finally, death. Thank you for making me a part of your life. Thank you for witnessing my life as you have let me in yours. Thank you for loving me as only a mother could. As one person put it: Your mother loved you first and loved you best. May you rest in peace, Ma. You will forever be with me in my heart. Your daughter, Annabelle

Thank you so much tia nene for taking care of my papa fredo during your younger years,You would always tell me stories of the times you shared with my papa. And these stories I will always remember in my heart. although papa now cannot understand what has happened to YOU (because he lost his memory after his attack in 2010).We, his children would like to thank you for everything and we will always be remembered in our hearts and mind..... May you rest in peace... we love you!      

                                         Alma Erediano Palanas (Palma de mallorca spain)

A Message To My Grandmother


It's approximately 2:45 am here in the Philippines. The house is surrounded by a sense of calm and serenity expected in most households at this time of the day. I am presently dumbfounded as to why my pillow is drenched in tears; why my eyes are boggy and my nose all stuffed as if it's a cold winter night in Chicago. As much as I tried being the strong willed person I ordinarily am, I must give in to my inner sentiments and accept the fact that I am still human and I have the right to mourn for the loss of a loved one. 

The last time I decided to write about my vexing and grieving thoughts creating an emotional barricade to my body's need for sleep was way back November 15, 1990. That was the day our dear Lord called my Dad Chok to heaven. Now 25 years later I find myself in the same situation. My beloved grandmother Lola Nene just passed away. She received the same invitation Dad had before. This is the invitation by our Dear Lord to enter a paradise where eternal happiness and comfort is never ending. Trust me. The feeling is exactly the same. Being miles away to some extent aggravates the situation. My first reaction when I heard the newsGet on the next airplane and fly to Chicago to be with my immediate family. 

There is an oft-quoted adage that Crying is therapeutic. Well indeed this adage bears truth. I've received more than a full dose just a few minutes ago. I promised myself I wouldn't cry because I have to be strong. A fleeting Promise left broken as expected. 

I have been staring relentlessly at the picture I took of Lola last Thanksgiving in Chicago last year 2014. It's the screensaver now in my laptop. You look so beautiful with your eyes gleaming, your alluring smile, your frail gentle hands interlocked and I can hear your trembling sweet voice saying my name. At this moment I feel like a little child who lost his favorite toy or got lost in the middle of a mass hovering crowd. Your motherly sweetness was truly one of your admirable virtues.

I cannot deny the guilt that I felt every time I would hear news from overseas that you had your repeated strokes and that your memory was inevitably deteriorating. It was guilt because I take care of patients with the same neurologic conditions yet the irony was I could not take care of my own Lola. Had geographic constraints not existed, then I would be one of the people to feed you, bathe you, tuck you in your blanket and watch you peacefully sleep.

I know you touched many lives. You took care of Tang, Annette and Me as if we were your own children. When the time came for us to migrate to the Philippines you took care of Tam and Aileen with unselfish love. You unselfishly took them under your supervision and raised them. When I look at Tam and Aileen now I realize that you molded a great woman and gentleman. For this I am grateful Lola. Tam and Aileen please be strong for each other. I am sure Lola would want you to continue being each other's fortress. 
 
I am blessed that my four children were able to meet their great grandmother. I ensured that I would move mountains to let you meet my family. I talk to Michele and the kids about the great family I have in Chicago. The picturesque memory of you hugging Audric, Mikko, Bryce, Niño and Michele last Thanksgiving is life-changing moment for me. I vowed to my family that I would let them meet my legendary Lola. 

My last trip to Chicago this December was a bittersweet memory. At the back of my mind, I had this fearful thought:, This is most likely the last time I will be able to see Lola. When Aileen and Gio picked me up from the airport we rushed to visit you at the nursing home. I held back my tears as much as I could. I didn't want Aileen to see me crying. Most especially I didn't want your last memory of me as a sad one- with me crying like my first day in Grade One. You were excited to see me--- you had your curlers on; smiling and repeatedly looking for your dentures; you told me you were getting old and were tired. I still remember I whispered in your ear, I love you so much Lola. Be strong. Before my flight back to I entered the nursing home with a heavy heart. This would be the last time I would be able to personally hug and kiss you. 

We will be starting the New Year without you. After the crying, I prayed. I fervently prayed. I just thought of you and our life experiences with you. I ended up smiling. This is what I know you want all of us- your family to feel--- Happiness not sorrow. 

I know you lived a meaningful life. You are now in a place only we the living could dream of. You are in a paradise where there is no pain; no suffering; no anger; no hatred. You have joined our Creator. 

I know you are at peace Lola. As much as we try to comprehend things and events that happen, we with our human limitations might not be able to grasp things in a full perspective. I still believe everything happens for a reason. 

You will always be in our prayers Lola. I pray for peace of mind, heart and spirit, words and actions. Let reconciliation prevail. We are and always have been a FAMILY. No one- not even a major life challenge can put down a good family.That is what we are.

I regret I am not physically there. But rest assured not a day passes that you are not in my thoughts in prayers. Please give my Dad Chok a big hug and kiss for me. Tell him I miss him so much. I am also sure that Lolo is holding your hand right now. Enjoy your eternal rest in paradise.

Your legacy remains in your children, us your grandchildren and your great grandchildren.

Let us all be strong for Lola. Let us all be strong for each other. God bless us all.

This is the message on the epitaph of the Late Congressman Primitivo N. Sato Sr. at Queen City Memorial Gardens in Cebu :
He is not remembered for the days he lived but for the life that he spent.

Rest in peace Lola. 

The Vatanagul Family (Toom, Michele, Audric, Mikko, Bryce, Niño and baby # 5) send their love and regards

Love,

Your Grandson Dr. Toom

Mama, I met both you and your daughter Molly, my future wife, 30 years ago by chance, not knowing at the time how close I would become to you and your family. You have always been the glue holding the family together, and you will be deeply missed. My heart aches for you and I am sad that you are gone, while at the same time glad that you are now at peace. You will always be in my thoughts.

Mama lived the full circle of life. She was a gracious politician's wife & a great mother.  She was very regal & stylish, and my friends loved to come to the house to see her new outfits & because mama was such a superb cook.
She braved the storms especially when papa got sick, stood strong and held the family together.
I will miss you, ma, and will always cherish the time we spent together especially when we lived together here in Chicago.

OBITUARY

Julieta E. Sato

16 June, 1925 – 29 December, 2015

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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