Do you know why you sleep
so well, Nanay? Is it because you
know you are well-loved and cherished?

Just look at your three remaining
younger sisters how they laugh at
shared memories, sing your favorite
songs and cry their hearts
out.  Silly, you will say.

See your nephews and nieces, cousins
and relatives, children great and
grand, they who you nurtured and
nourished from far and near. Of
course no one could afford to be
busy.  It is for you.

You would have been amazed how
different they appear.  But you know
they are still the same kids in your heart
as you are the mother to them.

You are very much the same
even in your sleep, Nanay.  That is
what they all say - the picture of
contentment and happiness.  Bubbling
with vitality just as you were when you
took us under your wings.  Who would
forget your razor-sharp tongue laced
with humor?  The discipline you
inculcated tempered with generosity and
care guided us through our life's
own journey.

See there a young adult sobbing and
smiling tenderly by your side?  You
gave him bread when he was just a
kid.

Look, the friends and sisters you
have acquired through the years
are here for you, too.

You would be glad to know your only
son made it with his only son whose immense
grief is for the father who had missed your
last waking days.

As your nephews and grandson from your
only son carried you where your husband
lies, we the living march on with the joy and
laughter of your love.

P.S. just between us:

Nanay, did you mind whenever I lose
patience at your antics?  when I frown and
get mad whenever you aim your blue
slippers and hit my face? when you don't
have anything more to throw because
they're all by my side? when you make
noise because nobody's looking at you?

Have you all counted now the
bulbs at our ceiling and the
sunflowers in your placemat?

Do you call me by my name now?

Should I put this fresh Ylang-ylang by
your ears or this single Sampaguita?

Carry on with your song, Nanay
'O irog, pagdating ng takipsilim
Ang langit ay namamanglaw na rin....'

Yesterday I brought home a slice of
bread and rushed to give you.  I didn't
find you at your sofa. The lump in my
throat took time to subside.

....and Nanay, I miss you.