Farewell, Dearest Mother

NORBERTA SALEN SABENIANO
June 06, 1941 ~ July 11, 2014

How do we let go of someone so special and constant in our lives?

How do we accept your passing and let God take you into His bosom?

Is it possible to celebrate your life, despite the pains and loneliness

And the void that you left behind?

Who will listen to our stories, comfort us when we are feeling down?

Who will be there to heal us or pray for us when we are sick?

Who will come travelling when there is a new addition to the family?

Who will answer us when we call Inay, Nay, Nanay, Madey?

Oh Mother, we will miss you so much

Your ever present radiant smile that melts even the hardest heart

Your strong faith and belief in God and in the power of prayers

That everything, as bad as it may seem, will turn out right in the end

But we will be strong for we know that we are loved

That each of us, your seven children and eleven grand children

Have been blessed with your devotion, loyalty and thoughtfulness

That we have better lives and bright future because of you

Thank you very much, dearest Inay

For letting us spread our wings and soar high to reach our dreams

For encouraging us to go on when all we ever wanted was to give up

For the words of wisdom that guided us through journey’s end

Thank you for living a full life

For doing what you must do, as a farmer’s wife and a mother to us

For doing what you wanted as an individual, as a woman, as a citizen

For your legacy as barangay councilor and servant of the church

Go Inay…fly to heaven’s high

Our Lord and Creator is waiting to welcome you in His loving arms

Though you’re not with us but your love and memories will remain

To give us strength and to keep our family together as one

Know that we loved you with all our hearts

We cherish you and we will remember you with your radiant smile

Look down on us from time to time and send us your sweet kisses

Through the gentle wind or the soft falling rain

Farewell, dearest Mother

Difficult and painful it may be, but we know that in God's perfect time

We will be able to celebrate your life...a well-lived life

We love you so much. God speed!