Lucila: Woman of the Century

In Spain, Lucila meant illumination, light. In my life, Lucila meant everything. Lucila Porciuncula was the name of my late grandmother. She was the heart and light of our family from my Mother’s side. She was the wall behind our great wall (Lolo Carling). To me, she was life and she was my light.

Earliest moment that I can remember was when she built a mini store in front of our house and all we did, my sisters and I, was ask for candy, chips or plastic balloon (yey!). Latest memory on the other hand was in my dreams, waking up in my room and she was sitting beside me smiling then when I finally realized she was dead then, I shouted, “Lola, Lolaaa!!” then dream skipped to sort of an old movie where my lola was young, in black and white, smiling and dancing to an old song. God, how I miss my Lola.

Though It is sad that she is not physically present with me today, I would like to share with you some of the most valuable lessons Lola taught us:

• Integrity is  a much better choice than financial wealth
• Family first
• Always use “po” and “opo” and show respect to elders
• There is always a way
•  I can still show how I care and love you despite being upset with you now

 (Side Story: I remember one time when she and Lolo was in the middle of an intense Lover’s  Quarrel, she still brought him a glass of iced orange juice while he was cutting grass in our  backyard. Sweet!)

• Give. Give and give even when you will not have anything left.
• Always have a smile on your face when greeting people.
• No blessing is too small for you to show gratitude.
• Love. Love with all you heart. Love with all your might. Love with everything that you have. Love patiently. Love hard.
• Nobody is perfect. Forgive fully and move forward with love.

You are always in my heart Lola, always and forever. J