My dad’s oldest sister passed away last Monday night (Philippines’ time). She was 87—same age as my grandma. My mom learned about her passing through posts in FB and realized why they were trying to get a hold of her earlier that day (it was Tuesday). Unfortunately, she couldn’t answer the calls as she was still at work. She contacted them right when she got home and confirmed that my aunt passed away she told them that she’ll call again once my dad got home from work.
When my dad came in, it was evident that he hasn’t heard anything about his sister’s passing. He was in a jolly mood as always, played with my dog and was teasing my mom. My mom then told him to sit and to eat snack first. He was in the middle of eating his snack when my mom broke the news. It wasn’t my mom’s intention to break the news while he was still eating but she got no choice—my dad was about to see posts on Facebook about his sister’s passing. So my mom told him about it—I saw his expression and it broke me. My dad was staring at my mom so hard he forgot he was eating. My mom had to remind him to finish his snack first then they will call them back. I could hear him sniffle. I didn’t dare look.
My dad is the youngest out of 10 siblings (not too sure if 10 or 12). This year, two of his older siblings had already passed. His oldest brother passed away last summer. My mom told me he cried so hard. This time, he didn’t, at least from what I’ve seen. It’s too bad too that we cannot even go back home because of pandemic. However, I think we wouldn’t be able to go home either if all is better because of the days my dad is only allowed to get.
Anyway, this aunt of mine was the closest to me from my dad’s side (I am closer to my relatives maternal side). She used to take care of me when my mom went here in Canada and I was sick. Fondest memory? My aunt used to chase me around our living room just so she could fed me my disgusting medicine. She was the one who accompanied me when I had to get my stomach/abdomen massaged (?) aka “hilot” (this will be another story lol). She stayed by my side when I got hospitalized because of dengue and my mom couldn’t be because she was here (in Canada) at the time.
Overtime, I grew apart from her. The last time I heard from her was this year. I learned that she was showing symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. And her children kind of didn’t want to take care of her. My dad thought that maybe because when her children were still young, she went away. She had to work overseas so her children could eat and go to school. I don’t know, it was complicated.
I will always be grateful for her kindness and for her taking care of me. I’m glad that she’s now resting and in peace.
I love you, auntie Duding. Fly high!
