Lolo

He was 84.

My Lolo Harding, the father of my mom, passed away last October 5. I wasn't expecting that he'd leave us on that day. But yes, there were signs. Even my lolo was prepared for his time.

Here is the speech I made, delivered by my brother, during the funeral mass for my lolo:

Good morning everyone.

I know we are all grieving today for my Lolo Harding has passed away. But I know wherever he is now he’s happy and contented with what he has left us. I’m sure each and every one of you here today has something to share on how my lolo touched your life.

As for me, I grew up having my grandparents lived near our home. Lolo Harding was known to my elder sisters as Lolo Ipil since they still lived in Agdao before. Later on, he was known to us, the younger apos, as Lolo Emerald, named after the street where they live in Ecoland. It was pretty convenient for me to have my grandparents near our home since we could visit them whenever we want to.

I always welcome those events when we gather for special occasions such as Christmas or New Year or even those ordinary Sundays. But I guess those annual birthday celebrations would always be special. I remember most especially his last birthday where we celebrated his turning into 84 years old. That was his last birthday.

I will always remember those times when we visit lolo and lola, they always ask us if we have eaten and always lets us know that we could get Pop Cola from their tindahan.

For us, his apos, lolo throws a funny line to us every now and then. If we are on our way home after visiting them, he tells us that he will first call his helicopter so that his helicopter can bring us home. Until now, we do not where his helicopter is.

During the last month or so, he asked for sumptuous food – crabs, shrimps, lechon, barbeque, humba, among others. I was also happy because that meant that we would have more of those delicious food often than before. My lolo even managed to crack a joke when my sister brought crabs. He said that his doctor told him that he is allergic to crabs. Well, we knew he was joking since he was the one who ordered crabs and he is the one “allergic” to doctors.

With my age, I have not much to tell on how Lolo Harding lived his life before I became I part of his life. But I am pretty sure that I am thankful he became a part of my life.

I know that he lived well. As any other ordinary human being, he has his misdeeds, just like any human being and just like any one of us here today. And I know he has made amends with the One above. We may no longer see him but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with him. He will always have a special place in our hearts. I hope that we will always remember the good times we spend with him: remember his smile, remember him happily and remember him often.

On behalf of my lola and the entire family, I want to thank everyone here to celebrate my Lolo Harding’s life. Many of you came from deep distances and we are very appreciative. Thank you also to all of you who called, wrote, or visited over the past several days. The outpouring of love and affection displayed to my Lolo Harding has been overwhelming and a source of comfort to my family.

As to my lolo, we love you. You will always be missed.

Thank you.