The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5 also known as the BEATITUDES is, perhaps, one of my favorites.   I would normally use it for weddings, funerals, etc. and I don’t tire of using it as a reminder for myself.   Why?  It helps me put things in perspective, especially during my “low” moments when my thoughts are prone to being “played” with by the evil one.  

Our lives are filled with successes as well as challenges.  How we “survive” it largely depends on our disposition in dealing with it.   Yes, even with successes. When we are on top of our game, it brings us “back down to earth” and inversely, when we are at the lowest ebb, we are reminded that there is hope and a chance to “extricate” ourselves from that sad situation.  

Please re-read the BEATITUDES carefully and reflect on it; perhaps, asking ourselves if we are living it. 

 In my heart, if I only follow these, I will constantly be reassured of victory at every challenge and safety from my prideful self at every success. 

  I must admit that I have been “cranky” this past week and I apologize.  Upon reflection, I realize that I dreaded having to deal with my parents’ loss as we commemorate their first death anniversary.   Admittedly, I continue to mourn their passing and having to deal with it without being amongst family has been very difficult.  Culturally, Filipinos deal with death very differently from the west.  We have extended wakes punctuated by 9 days of masses, and again after 40 days and every year thereafter, and, to the uninitiated, simply look like a good excuse to party.  But, we are together.  

While the sadness and grief are ever present, somehow it is eased by the presence of family and friends.  

 Father's note Continues on top of the next column 

Time has flown fast – very fast!  Even though I immersed myself in my work thinking it will ease the pain, there is not a single day that I didn’t feel the emptiness of knowing that I won’t hear their voices when I call them or have the joy of sending them the things that they want from the US.  

Looking back, that was one of my joys – to constantly think of what they would like from here, purchase, and send them to the Philippines.  

These were never big and expensive items; but, my parents always appreciated them and made me feel that they received the most precious things in this world.   In the end, I tried to “spoil” them but didn’t succeed.  They never made any demands from me; except, maybe, for me to “take care of myself and BEHAVE!”

Looking back, my Dad constantly reminded me to “take care of myself” – mainly my health – as he always said that I have a great responsibility of being a shepherd to my “flock” (Read:  That’s all of you, folks!) and with the lack of priests here in the US, I should try and serve as long as I can.  

On the other hand, my Mom always said “Behave!”   It’s not so much that I would go out and “fool around”; but, it was about the temperament that I have and it can be a very “opinionated” one.  

She knows that too well as we worked together for 27 years in our family business and, in more ways than one, I am very much like her.  

Yes, even from the “beyond” I still hear their voices constantly and I am grateful that I do.  

*****