Lolo Jose

My grandfather died last May 13, 2009 at the age of 91. The circumstance wasn’t painful that much probably because we’ve been expecting him to expire soon. We only prayed that if ever he dies, he would died peacefully and that he wouldn’t die of sickness or from a tragic accident. Our prayer was answered.

I used to joke him and call him Lolo Jose or grandpa (pa-sosyal effect) when I visit him. We were never close when I was a kid. It was only when I was given the responsibility of visiting him and attending to his needs that I got attached to him.
From the stories I heard, he wasn’t a very good father during his times. He drinks, he smokes, and he was stubborn. That is why sometimes I think my uncles don’t take the responsibility of taking care of him. Still, I don’t think that he should be taken for granted just because he was bad before. And no matter how wrong the things he did, he should be forgiven or at least be respected for the fact the he is their father.

I would surely miss him. Although he is one person less from my responsibilities, still I would miss taking care of him. I know I’m not always physically present for him. I’m not the one who bathes him, the one who feeds him and the one who cleans him up when nature calls him but I know in my heart that I did everything in my best possible way to take care him. And I did everything sincerely.

To my Lolo Tura,

I am sorry that I wasn’t able to visit you before you left us. I hope you are happy now with Lola Naty, Mamaday and Mommy Glo.