In Loving Memory of Julieta Gonzales Ablan
Mama Lita, my beloved grandmother, has been gone for 32 years now, but her memory and influence still resonate with me. I may have only been a child when I first met her, but even at that young age, I was struck by her kindness, her unwavering love, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Mama Lita was the epitome of a loving mother, wife, and a remarkable human being. She always had a way of making everyone around her feel special, and her infectious spirit and joy for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Whenever my family and I get together, we still find ourselves sharing stories about Mama Lita, and it's as if she's still with us, telling us about her life and the lessons she learned. Mama Lita's legacy of love, kindness, and strength still inspires me today, as it did when I was a child.
The Loving Mother:
My grandmother had boundless maternal love. Her children, including my mom, aunts, and uncles, often speak of her nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless patience. Even in spirit, she knew when her children needed her. There was a time in our family when one of my uncles needed financial support for his university fees, but it was hard to acquire that amount due to our financial instability. The family was very worried about the situation, but then my mother dreamt of Mama Lita, who told her that she had some cash placed in her old box where she kept all the payslips of her husband. The next day, my mother had to call the family who lived near their old home, which was located on another island, to find Mama Lita's old box. They found it, including her secret savings. She was the kind of mother who knew just the right words to comfort, the right recipes to make everything better, and the right touch to heal any hurt.
The Nature Lover:
Mama Lita was one with nature, and she passed down her love for it to her children and grandchildren. Her garden was her happy place, where she would spend hours caring for her flowers, vegetables, and trees and chatting with birds. I can still picture her surrounded by the vibrant colours of Bogumbellia and Santan. Mama Lita's gentle touch has the power to bring life to everything she nurtures, and her heart beats in harmony with the rhythms of the natural world.
The Artistic Soul:
One of the precious gifts I inherited from Mama Lita is the love of arts and crafts. She had a creative flair that she shared generously with her family. Mama Lita was a creative genius who loved to experiment with different materials and techniques to create beautiful things. She had a unique talent for crocheting and could make almost anything with her crochet hook - from clothes to curtains to chair covers. One of the things that Mama Lita taught us was that creativity has no limits. She believed that everyone has the ability to create something beautiful and that every piece of art or craft we make is a reflection of our inner selves. Mama Lita encouraged us to embrace our creativity and to express ourselves through our craft. She showed us how to use our imagination to come up with new ideas and how to use different materials to bring those ideas to life. Thanks to Mama Lita, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of handmade items. I have also learned that crafting is not just about making things; it's about expressing ourselves and sharing our vision with the world. Mama Lita's legacy lives on in me, and I will always be grateful for the precious gift she gave me - the love of arts and crafts.
The Animal Lover:
Grandma not only had compassion for humans but also for animals. She had a unique ability to connect with animals, and they were naturally drawn to her. Her family home was home to several animals, including a monkey, a dog, geese, and a pig. According to my mother, these animals only listened to Grandma; her gentle nature and kindness were evident in the way she cared for them. Her love for animals continues to inspire my own.
As I reflect on the memories and stories shared by my relatives and my mom, I am reminded of my grandmother, a remarkable woman. Even though I wish I had more time to know her well, I carry her spirit with me. She left behind a legacy of love, artistry, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Today, we honour Mama Lita on her death anniversary and remember her with fondness and gratitude for the values and qualities she instilled in us. Although she is no longer with us, her love and influence continue to shape our lives.
Let us cherish the loving memory of Julieta, a beautiful soul whose love and legacy will always be remembered.