Eulogy for my Lola Pinang

Josefina Cacho Palma

(1912-2005)

I'm here today to talk about my grandmother and my dearest Lola, Josefina Cacho Palma. I'd like you to know about who she was and what she meant to me.

She was the devoted wife of Agustin, the loving mother of Francisco, Hector, William, Norma, Rosie, Mila, Edward, Henry and Michelle. From these sons and daughters she was blessed with 11 grandchildren and from her grandchildren 3 great-grandchildren.

I cannot remember a time in my life where my lola was not a part of it. I was blessed to have her around and so close for many years of my childhood. As I think of her now many memories come to mind and fill me with happiness and joy.

Lola loved to cook. She made the best meals. I always remember her presence in the kitchen. In pilipino culture, sometimes the provision of food is an expression of love. And boy was I loved. From the homemade tapa, to the pinapaitan to the best diniguan in the world. No other recipes could compare. It was nice to know that I would never go hungry with Lola Pinang nearby.

Lola taught me to play mahjongg. It was Lola Pinang and my other lola teaching me side by side. Mahjongg has always been at many a family party for as long as I can remember. As a kid, it looked fun to play but I wasnt allowed to learn it. Or so my parents told me. I remember exactly when she sat me down to teach me. It was Christmas day at my house. As usual she came to the house early to set up the table. By early afternoon her usual gang of players had not yet arrived. So when she called me over..."May!"(--hand gesture--) I knew immediately what her intention was. I said "lola, I'm going to get in trouble". And her reply was( --hand gesture/nod no --.) So she preceded to show me pongs and kangs and sticks and cars. If Lola gives me the a-okay to learn then who am I to argue, right? Needless to say my parents weren't too happy about it, but through the years its been a way where she & I could spend time together and enjoy each others company. For this I am truly greatful.

But if I had to name one thing about Lola that will forever be engrained in my memory it would have to be her smile. It was such a charming and loving smile that I'm sure you can picture in your minds as I am right now. Her smile became one of the most important things in my life. As she grew older esp these last few years where her health and hearing were not as they used to be, her smile expressed and told me everything she wanted to say when she could not verbally express it. Her smile told me that she was okay, it told me that she was happy to see me, that she's loved me always, and that we would see each other again soon. And whenever I smiled back at her, my smile told her the exact same thing. I was content to just look at lola and take in all the meaning that was in her smile.

My grandmother means the world to me. I miss her now but as she leaves this world and onto the next I take with me her strength and perserverance. Lola told it like it was, she knew what she liked and what she didn't and wasn't afraid to express it. She is an example of the woman I want to become and strive to be.

Lola I know you are in a better and freer place than you were on earth, but I want you to know ...Lola , I miss you. I will always miss you. Right now I wish I could kiss your cheeks many many times over like I always did when I saw you. Like I did when we said goodbye to each other after every visit. I look forward to the time I can kiss you again and I look forward to the time I can see your smile again.

Lola I love you.