She is the eldest daughter of Lola Abiog, the nickname of Flavia, and Lolo Kikong, short for Federico.
Me and my brothers definitely grew up with Mama. Papa, at times, was assigned to different places being a DECS supervisor.
Mama knew everything about each of us brothers more than we know each other. She had a humble beginnings and she wanted us to reflect and know what life is during her times. Together with Papa, they nurture us, guided us through all our fragile years. She is a disciplinarian and was even branded as a terror teacher in Maralag Elementary School, all for the purpose of taking us all in the right side of the path of life.
She often tell stories about sacrifices and love. In school, she would gather pupils and read them stories of a book. She is a good story-teller. In stories where settings are described, she elaborates more, adding descriptions and other adverbs and adjectives that make us "see" what we hear.
She is loving and thoughtful. Very seldom can I see her making comments on how hard life is even though it's evident that at times she can hardly make end things met.
I cannot quantify nor measure the gratitude due to her. Her having a soft heart is very evident when relatives went to her and ask for favor. Upon weighing that indeed they need help, she immediately hand off help and whisper not to mention anything. She want to be anonymous in helping.
She is now 67 years old and still an active woman. She tirelessly help others, offer advices, take care of my father and do other things which really amazes me.
She always made us help in every household chores. She made us scrub and sweep floors, wash dishes, cook, "manianggi", etc. I remember one May 11, their wedding anniversary, and the sked of us to make cakes for the fiesta which is in May 13. We had already prepared and baked a couple of cakes in a very crude oven. When receiving from Mama a layer of one upside-down cake, I accidentally dropped it to the floor and it scattered all over the place. She was very mad at us and was bursting with anger but immediately cool down and grinned upon seeing the three of us scrambling to eat the scattered cakes on the floor. Her heart softened seeing her children eat the precious cake, which we only ate on very special occasions then. (we didn't get sick due to that fallen cake).
Happier times will always be a less merry without Mama. She has always this magic trick or two in her sleeves. She has so many talents and ideas which just flow when she is working on things, be it in preparing food, decorating or even making shows for her pupils. Until now, she always caught me off-guard with her unexpected actions. By the way, I get my first magic trick from her. That old black magic stuff which still hounds spectators when I perform during gatherings.
Mama is always Mama Dayon. She inspires a lot. Her words of wisdom always tingle in my mind wherever I am in situations that need decisions. I usually ask myself, "what would Mama do?"
Mama, thank you for all the things that you've done to us. The ups and downs in your guidance and the trick or two made us what we are today. Your simple yet inspiring stories of love and affection molded us into loving beings... Your unconditional love will guide us to provide the same to our children.
May you have many more birthdays to come...
We love you.
posted by The STRUGGLE between REALITY and what is SEEN. @ 8:12 AM
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