Itzi Bitzi Thoughts, Tales and Travels: 17-20-23

Dearest Mang and Tita Beck,

I miss the both of you very much. These succeeding few days make me quite melancholic. When it is too lonesome to take, I tightly shut my eyes and travel to time machine capsule and relive random memories of your togetherness. The funny anecdotes, the words of wisdom, the courage to face life's adversities with grace. Your fascination with red lipstick and fashion was a matter of discussion that was never taken lightly.

March 2016. Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan

My forever most beautiful woman in the world.

March 2020. Morongo Casino for Arlette's birthday.

I think of you every day. The mask is the biggest fashion star in this pandemic and all is required to wear it. It does not anyway stop me from applying red lipstick at any give time coz it somehow keeps the dots among us connected.

Thank you for teaching me the value of faith and prayers.

I was at my happiest with you, Ma.

November 2019.Your last birthday here on earth.

January 2019. At Crystal Cathedral in Orange.

Beauty that never faded.

I thank all the people who made Mamang feel special.

For you, love for family is non-negotiable.

I still long for our FaceTime calls. Coz with it, I see you "live" and hear your voice.

Cor and Becks, you were never Masterchefs. You did not have a truly to -die -for recipe or signature dish. You always made up for it by saying, "Biasa na kami mang mag-entertain.!!! Ok, fine!!:)

One fine morning, back in our old abode in Sta.Ana, I awoke still sleepyhead and was astonished to see a priest with full "sutana" in the living room. I thought I was still dreaming.You invited him for brekky. I on the other hand didn't need caffeine anymore to awaken my senses.

Oh and those late nights of hanging out with Tita Buena and Among Roger, there was the reversal of role. Suddenly I was the one at home, waiting for you to arrive from your escapades. Then I discover the Chowking, Manila receipts inside your purse. You were so funny.:)

I keep in my chest of treasures all the cute stories, the shared triumphs and sorrows, and everything in between.

Your love and loyalty for each other was at its most sincere shape. The way you cared for each other, you had each other's back. There were no ifs and buts. No reasons, seasons and excuses. It has always been constant and consistent.

Your eyes twinkled with happy little stars in attending all church activities. There were instances, atlung misa in a day and when we asked you about it, you'd just say, "Dakal kami pangadi!" No matter how puyat you were from playing mahjong ,you managed to be present for the first Mass every Sunday without fail.

You did not get jaded of each other's company. You were content be it simply laying on the sofa chair or papag. It didn't change, it remained how it was from Mamang's pre-stroke era up to the time that she became wheelchair-bound with neurologic deficits.

I miss you Mamang and Tita. If only I could have one more day with you and laugh and chat just like in the olden days. I never had doubts with eternal life and heaven. I know you are in the most peaceful and joyful place now. It's just that I still yearn to see and hear you. It's the VOICE that is sorely missed.

May I emulate your generous and forgiving hearts. Your strength and resilience in facing trials and tribulations. Your sense of humor and charm to add spice to life. Your unwavering faith in God and deep devotion to Mama Mary and Sta. Ana.

I make a conscious effort now and then to be a good girl so that I can be granted a pass to heaven to see you both again.. someday.