It is because of love. The exact phrase Lola would tell us when asked why did she chose Philippines over a nicer life in her homeland Japan. Though far from her place of origin (where her family resides),  Lola brings with her the nicest smile ever. A smile that would mirror on how she misses her homeland very much. A smile that would also tell of no regrets. That she had chosen the right path. Being a Japanese living in a place where customs and culture is much much  different, she is really a survivor. She had devoted almost all of her life for her family.

A traveler. A fighter. A friend. A survivor. That’s what our Lola is. Her sweetest memories would always remain in us. I would really miss the times when render services for her (caregiver kunuhay). Inject meds diri. Painum tambal didto. Pailis diri. Timpla Kape didto. Now that she is gone, no one would wake up early, make cofee and sit in the couch outside.

Our sincerest thanks sa lahat ng nakiramay at napaabot ng pakikiramay. No words can describe on how we feel. Its been six days since my beloved LoLa has passed away. For a grandchild who have been with her all the way, it truly hurts. 19 years of my life, she has been an inspiration. Now, that she is gone, memories are most kept in my heart. Those talks on the sala. Those Nihonggo lessons. Those quarrels about little things.

Life for us must go on. I know that she would always love to see us keep going. I will truly miss her. We would always miss her!

Sayonnara obasaan… Till we meet again 😦

Again salamat sa lahat. For the condolences and all…

A captured moment by a Japanese photographer who visited her. The story of her life and her thoughts of love was featured in a local newspaper in Japan.