Christmas in November

the old lady has come and gone. left for manila yesterday. it was such a great three (3) days with her. we weren't able to talk that much owing to my limited time, but i will cherish always those three days she spent with us, me and my kids... talking, laughing, and cooking (yes! she cooked something for my kids). was just so happy that in spite of her age, she was still sprightly and in good health. i can't help but be teary eyed as i look at her now. the face that once was so strict looking has lost its fierceness and that booming voice that used to quiet us (me and my siblings) and was so authoritative then has suddenly turned soft. the lines showing on her face are more prominent now than the last time i saw her back in '05. however, that chinese-ilokana look that has so captivated my dad was still present. still beautiful at 70 even with all the hardships that she went through in life and in raising us, her children. mama, if you could read this, i would like to thank you for coming over. for me, it was like christmas in november. i have told you this before but let me just repeat it again. i'm sorry for all the pain that i have caused you. what you have told me as regards to my kids will be remembered and implemented (mama knows best) and i assure you that i will try my very best for history not to repeat itself. i love you mama.