PERSONAL NOTES: Farewell to a Life Coach

A month ago, her daughter Celine Cebrero Karagdag reminded me that her mom was hoping I could visit her soon in her new condo pad when I get to go to Cagayan de Oro City. Oftentimes, I go to this city center for usual demands for meetings and consultations with ally networks, on transit trips for Manila, or for some errands to buy for items not found in our upland city. But this time, I would miss the chance to see her again.

I will cherish the good memories with this second oldest Lola (outside of my kin) whom I encountered close in my life (the first one was at 100 years old—the town’s oldest grandma whom we greeted in de Notelaar center for the elderly in Melsele, in Belgium back in 2006).

Like magnet, I was drawn to Mommy Di who became a life coach who appreciates and believes in what I do. There are three things I have to be thankful for. For one, Mommy Di taught me not to fear aging and old age. For over a decade that I’ve known her, Mommy Di demonstrated her life full of gratitude to Heavens and contentment. She had fulfilled her role as a faithful wife, a doting mother and an awesome smart super Lola to her grandchildren including the singits—the “adopted” ones like me. She had lived a private and compleat contemporary life with grace and style. And she’s not bored with things to do while alone as everything is somewhat arranged in order. Even Celine and family members had their own schedule to visit or take her out for fine dining celebrations and even to the salon.

Secondly, Mommy Di had been our disciplined and dedicated Castilian language teacher and a fabulous mentor for home cooking. My real test in the use and comprehension of Spanish language was in 2013, when we visited Ecuador. I could say I survived having to communicate with the predominantly Spanish speaking Ecuadorian officials, environmental activists and citizens especially in public markets.

And third, as a great cook with a big heart, Mommy Di’s outlook and loving ways are reflected in the plate to our palates! Everyone is a privileged VIP guest when she’s cooking. One can never get enough when served her trademark recipes like Arroz Caldo, Arroz ala Cubana, Everlasting, Pochero and desserts such as Leche Flan and Banana Crumble! Mommy Di’s efficiency in kitchen work is unmatched by those who’s half her age or way younger. Whenever she focuses on a certain thing, there you expect her heart and attention is there. And more importantly, she has an elephant memory such that nothing escapes from her thoughts especially on people and things that mattered.

Indeed Mommy Di is very special person. We are grateful to be part of her loving circle. Her guidance and example will always leave a big imprint in my heart. Love you Mommy Di. (Ma. Easterluna Canoy is executive director of Kitanglad Integrated NGOs)