When we arrived at their place, it was already teeming with people.  We were met by Nanay and Tatay Darang, both of whom I noticed seemed very tired, haggard and with bloodshot, puffy eyes.  We then went inside the house where she is being lain in a white coffin.  I prepared myself for this moment, but still no amount of preparation is enough to see a loved one in this situation.  We just couldn’t believe it… Until we saw her lying inside.  And it was the time that it finally sink in that she’s no longer with us anymore.  We will not be seeing her big, beautiful eyes which was one of her trademark, the other one is being an ‘Indian’ most of the time; we will not be  able to witness her endless bickerings with the boys.  She’s the only one who can compete with them in the ‘asaran’ department and the boys just couldn’t keep up with her.

The other barkadas who were not in Manila were also informed about this sad news and they have the same reaction, they just couldn’t believe it.  Because she’s too young for this, and to think she still have 2 sons to take care of,  our hearts really were with them to be motherless at a very young age.  Our prayers are with them, as well to Jupiter her husband, and Nanay and Tatay Darang.

Jeannette was finally laid to rest last February 6.  Her temporary journey ended, and she’s now sleeping, waiting to be reunited once again with her loved one on the next coming of our Lord Jesus.

To Jeannette, thank you for sharing with us a part of you.  We’re very thankful for letting us know you and be one of your barkadas.  Eventhough we were not able to play word factory during your wake, the next time we have that opportunity, the first game will be for you.

Then the reading begun, starting from the head elder. Names were being mentioned, almost the same as this year’s list. My husband was elected as deacon and head of music department, and I gave him a challenging look if he will be able to finish the two years, not to mention finishing the first year alone. Then of all the names that will be mentioned, I heard my name being included in the list. Not once but several times! I am one of the teachers in the children’s division and head of the education department, which means I am a member of the church board as well as the school board. This really is a big surprise for me because I know that every year they’ve been trying to elect me, but every year they cannot because I am not a member, that’s why I was wondering what happen in the nominating committee meeting? It was announced also that for those who has question regarding the list may approach the committee in the afternoon.

So I returned in the afternoon, and found that there are at least 3 people waiting for their turn to have an audience with the committee. When it’s my turn, I explained to them that I am not a member that’s why they cannot elect me to any office. They told me that they recognize that I have a potential to hold an office (well that’s an understatement!) and there’s no one else to vote for since there’s a lack of suitable members to be elected in the first place. I explained to them that I am doing the appeal because I know that we all want the proper procedure to be followed for this very important activity, and I couldn’t let the reputation of the committee to be in question just because of this technicality. The committee encouraged me to transfer my membership since there’s still 3 months to go, and I told them I have to think about it adding that I do not have to hold a position for me to serve the Lord. I left hoping that a wise and just decision will come out, especially for my appeal.

Yesterday, I removed the three plump caterpillars from our flower plants on the roof. My Nanay do not want me to remove it because it will become a butterfly later on. But when I looked at the plants, almost all the leaves were gone, so I decided to remove them before they cause anymore trouble. I place the three caterpillars in a box and filled them with leaves and stems for their sustenance.

Today, when the kids arrived from school, they inspected the box and there’s only two caterpillars left. We do not know where the other one is. Bambam noticed that one of the caterpillar is colored brown while the other one is green. We thought it is already done but when she touched it, it moved so we assume it might be turning into butterfly that’s why its changing the colors. So I told her to put the caterpillars on one of the plants outside the house so that they have something to cling on. She has second thoughts on doing it because the passing children may harm them so I told her to put them somewhere between the plants very well hidden. She’s checking on them every now and then making sure that they’re still there.

I was in the kitchen preparing our lunch when suddenly she rushed to me with eyes swelling with tears. She whispered to me that the caterpillars were gone. I asked her who did it and she told me that our neighbor’s father squished them on the ground. I went with her outside hoping that she’s just joking me but when she showed me the caterpillars, I felt sad for her. Then she started to cry and I don’t know why would some shed a tear for mere caterpillars, but when I looked at her, I realized that you need no reason to feel attached onto something or someone because it’s been so long ago since they last had a pet so maybe she’s missing the thought of taking care of something. The sobbing last for sometime and I reassured her that there are still more caterpillars to come to her life so we just have to patiently wait for the next batch to come to our plants.

During lunch, as usual Bambam is very concerned about what food were served on the table. She’s not fond of eating vege-foods (synthetic) that’s why she requested for alternative dish. I told her to eat whatever is served, she don’t have to picky. So this irritated her much and started to make a scene. She requested for noodles instead, but I would not give in. Rantings are heard from her up to the point that she pick on her sister who is quietly eating her lunch. Another round of bickerings were exchanged and I have to step in to quiet them down. With tears in her eyes, she pleads for her noodles so I asked nanay to prepare one for her. While waiting for her request, she then starts to eat the vege-tapa and vegemeat. And as usual, they did not agree as to who gets what and starts another round of confrontation. Kids! I’m sure that this bickerings will last for a long time and I’m just patient as to when the time it will cease.