From the desk of Gloria Mata/Because there is such a thing as remembering

Because there is such a thing as remembering

As long as there is memory everything lives. Some people close to us who passed on live in our hearts and in our minds; impalpable, yet so alive and vibrant. We seem to experience once again their being – their touch, their gaze, their scent and their smile but only for a fleeting moment. Then they’re gone; to come again when we beckon- without fail … because there is such a thing as remembering.

Yes, we remember. For most, occasionally, for others, more frequently, and still for some others, all the time. Our loved ones seem to never have left us; their memory edifies our lives as we go on living. They ethereally influence our thinking and decisions, affecting our encounters and coloring our relationships.

Human as we are, we remember emotions or feelings such as love, empathy and care or even the most adverse of them all. That’s the way we remember and how memory keep those who passed on live. Remembering happens anytime; nonetheless people set dates to remember our beloved departed. Most Filipinos and Filipino-Americans mark November 2^nd as All Souls Day – the day when we remember and honor the memory of those who left us and passed on. It had always been a festive day of remembering. Days before, the survivors would whitewash the tombs in the cemetery and made sure that the lawns in the memorial gardens were taken care of. Those quiet and sometimes eerie places become the hub of the town or city. On the day itself, they become like huge picnic areas – people both young and old troop there in merrymaking mood. This happens simultaneously in most memorial parks or gardens and cemeteries throughout the Philippines. However, the pandemic had put a stop to this practice, curtailed the activities, reduced the number of visitors and prohibited the seniors and the minors to visit.

Nonetheless, we remember; we light candles or set up vigil lamps especially on that day and pray for the souls of our beloved departed. This is so true for me as I continue to treasure and keep the memory of my husband alive… he lives forever in my heart. How can the heart forget someone who loved with passion, cared so tenderly, and provided your needs and even wants? More than anything, someone who fathered two wonderful sons and an awesome daughter? They are the living trophies that he gifted me with before he passed in November 1, 1988, thirty-three years ago.

Remembering never ceases. In the family since he left, there are always occasions when I remark to my children, “ Daddy would have been so proud of what you have accomplished.” or “ I believe that’s the way he would have wanted it.” and at times, “I feel and I believe he had his hand on this.” and many times, “You took after your dad”. Most of the time they have acknowledged and laughed saying, “Mommy, maybe because you’re adopted. We all have Blood Type A Positive like Daddy, you’re the only one with Type O.”

During such conversations, I tear up or smile. I feel nostalgic, but wistful…more so, when the family gathers. My heart sees him smiling reassuringly ,whispering, “You’re doing well dear.” How can the heart forget; is it because there is such a thing as remembering?

Remembering comes sweet and easy when we have woven or created beautiful memories. Be inspired… join us here at Mega Scene. God bless everyone!