Because Words Are Not Coming

But an image, of you in your kitchen in Manila, cooking up a storm for me and Ryan while there’s an actual storm brewing outside. It was our exams and the flood was already up to our thighs but we know it was worth it to commute to your place just to be able to taste your exquisite cooking and because you insisted.

Of you feeding all three of us, Ryan, Ria and I while we were still studying at De La Salle and would go home to your place during weekends.

Of watching TV with you in your apartment, way past our bedtime, surrounded by your precious collection of CDS and DVDS because you loved to watch movies and listened to music a lot.

Of you spending time with me and my cousins, Manang Addie, Manong Anton, and the rest of the 7As and giving us your blunt and unsolicited advice.

Of you taking us on trips and tours and letting us meet your dearest friends, because for you, they are not just your friends but our future friends too.

Of you and your facility for loving people, even your sister’s in-laws, the Sy family, who you very much love to cook for.

Of you and your kindness, and thoughtfulness in giving gifts you painstakingly made, like your delicious Polvoron.

Of you giving your grandnephews birthdays and graduation treats of pizza, pasta and burgers just the way they like it.  Because you like to make them happiest.

Of you teaching your grandniece Alana, how to make desserts in the kitchen in Greensville whenever she visits.

Of you and the million ways you show how much you care.

So forgive me, if words are not coming…

All I have is you, still whole and beaming

And being your usual authoritative, opinionated and outspoken self

But always with everyone’s best interests at heart

I will miss your laughter, as pure and real as you

Thank you for your love, Thank you for your kindness

And forgive me for these words that are not enough…

~For Tita Chu