Happy Birthday Nanay. We love you!
February 4, 1934 - February 4, 2011
Happy Birthday Nanay
Woke up this morning and had the urge to read what I wrote for my Nanay one year ago…
“Today I am supposed to stand here and give you my fondest memory with my Nanay. The possibilities seem endless because everyday I’ve spent with her has been a complete and utter blessing. Instead I want to share the greatest lesson Nanay has taught me. Nanay taught me what true strength and love encompasses. Every day of her life, Nanay fought harder than any woman I’ve ever known. Throughout her life she fought for her brothers and sisters, she fought for her children, she fought for her grandchildren, and until the very end she fought for her life. Not many women I know have gone through the obstacles Nanay went through. Nanay was able to care for her brothers and sisters, raise amazing children, deal with a difficult marriage, be a second mother to her 14 grand children and 4 great grandchildren, and fight an 8 year long war with cancer. Although cancer may have won this battle, Nanay won the war. Giving up was not an option. She stayed strong for her loved ones. She stayed strong with the motivation and faith that she would see that next graduation, spend that next holiday with us, and celebrate that next birthday. Nanay held on to her faith when most others would give up. The fact that Nanay passed on her birthday, is just another sign from God that we shouldn’t cry over her loss but instead celebrate the amazing person we all know Nanay was. The lives Nanay touched are numerous and abundant, so whether you remember Nanay for what an remarkable friend or family member she was or even how amazing her menudo and Filipino spaghetti were, Let’s celebrate Nanay’s beautiful life.
Nanay you taught me what strength and love are. You will always be the epitome of beauty and love in my eyes. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me and caring for me unconditionally and for showing me what true compassion is. Thank you for being our family’s rock. Although I will miss the sound of your voice and the comfort of your embrace, I will find solace knowing that you are watching me and guiding me from above and that you are finally at peace. Nanay you will forever be my inspiration and motivation to succeed in everything I do. I am a better person because I had the pleasure of being your granddaughter and because you loved me. Every day I will strive to be even half the woman you were.
Nanay your journey has ended but your legacy will live forever be in the eyes of your children and the hearts of your loved ones.
Our Grandmother, Our Mother, Our Nanay we will always miss you. I refuse to say good bye but until we meet again. I love you Nanay.”
Happy Birthday Nanay, I miss you so much.
