Nikki:
Many of you probably know our Lolo better than the two of us do and have more stories to share about him. I unfortunately have a hard time remembering the times Lolo and I shared over the years. Thankfully, last year when we came to the Philippines for vacation we were able to spend some more time together. When we weren't off sight-seeing, DJ and I visited him every day, sometimes twice a day. He was always so happy to see us, always seemed so appreciative. We did a lot and saw a lot during that vacation last year but one of my fondest memories was taking Lolo for his daily walk down the street. We did not have much to say to one another; we mostly just sat together, DJ and I desperately trying to think of something new to talk about, Lolo watching us, smiling. I realized there was no need for words, he was happy to just be there holding our hands.
DJ:
Thinking back, I can only picture 2 memories of Lolo in my head. One is: after we moved to our new house years ago, he visited and helped clean the fence in the back yard. I would watch from the deck as he gathered leaves and cut wires. Ate and I had forgotten about that until last year when we saw him, and Lolo was the one who remembered that and reminded me that it happened. Our time with Lolo last year is the other memory I have with him. Both of us would come by just to sit and talk with him, and he would say, "Thanks God" and he would tell us that he is happy with tears in his eyes. One morning, it was just me who went to his house. He was still sleeping, but he was woken up and we had breakfast together - ice cream and crackers, the same way dad does at home. When we were finished, we sat next to each other and he held my arm, the same way Tito Olet does. We just sat at the table, mostly in silence, which was fine. He wasn't looking at me, but I was looking at him and he didnt have to say it that time, but I knew he was happy. On the way back from his house, I decided to start a journal of our vacation. On my first page, I wrote about our breakfast and how I was glad it was just the two of us. I wrote, "I will never forget that morning."
Lolo, we love you; we want you to know, even though we didn't share many words, we were just as happy and thankful to be sharing those moments with you.
