Support of the family is very important.
One of the things I love about my dad’s side of the family is that when there is an emergency you can expect them to be there to help out as well as offer support. We already experienced that with everything that happened to my immediate family in the past. My brother diagnosed with leukemia, rushed to the hospital several times, suffered a worse seizure that caused his left eye to go blind, and then passing away after just 6 months. They were there every single time! Almost all my dad’s siblings and some older cousins were even there in the hospital at past midnight accompanying us during the seizures that my brother suffered from. They never left us.
The same thing happened during my mom’s last year. They were there visiting, offering moral support, helping out in the little things (that mattered to us so much!) and even risking their lives fetching my grandfather from the province just so he could see my mom still alive. For that alone I will always be indebted to them.
My Tita Wilma and her husband were the designated tagasundo at tagahatid. She also was the designated person for clothes of my brother and my mom as well as for us to wear during the burial. We didn’t have to ask her, she already volunteered to do it. We were so thankful for that kind of help because when you are in that kind of situation, grieving and all that, that’s the farthest thing from your mind. We didn’t hear any complaints from Tito Eddie, her husband, for all the driving back and forth that he did.
My Tita Windy and Tito Lito, Tita Winnie as well as Tito Wilson, Tita Rosing, Tito Walet, Tito Walter and Tito Warner were also a big help to us. They were the source of our strength during those times we were beside ourselves with grief. Tita Mates, Tito Walter’s wife, was the one who really dedicated herself to helping us with all the cooking, cleaning, and marketing. Tito Wilson is a fixture in all the important events in my family’s life because of all my dad’s siblings, they’re the closest.
And now that Tito Wilson suffered two heart strokes in a span of few days, we are in full support mode. We rushed him to the hospital last night. We were there and didn’t leave until all the necessary tests were done. My dad and his siblings will be going back there tonight.
In times of emergencies and crises in our lives the support of the family is very important. The mere presence of those important to us can give us a boost. It can drive away the fear and the uncertainty of the present. And I am very happy that in my dad’s side of the family, even with all the disagreements and constant bickering common in very large families, we are still united at the time it’s most needed!
