As N. expands her vocabulary, every so often she'll say Lolo (meaning grandfather). But my dad isn't alive. There's my father-in-law, who's Grandpa and my uncle, who's Apong. On the days Lolo is frequently popping out of her mouth, A. says she must be playing with her guardian angel.
Sure, we'll light a candle in church on memorable occasions -- my Dad's birthday, death anniversary, or Father's Day. We light candles at home -- to take a breath (or get rid of an unpleasant odor). So many times, like when N. does her rendition of the "Gilmore Girls" theme song and dance, I'll remember my Dad and how much I would have loved for him to meet her. It's then that I am overcome with gratefulness for the good and bellyaching laughter-filled memories that I do have of him . . . like when we would get together for holiday pulutan (finger food), which meant a coffee table full of sashimi, wine and crispy pata. That is exactly how I want to remember him -- having a good time and shooting the bull.So here's my online dedication to my dad. To the good ones. There's something about the act of lighting a candle -- for real or online -- that allows us to have a moment to ourselves and to celebrate our loved ones.
Wishing you a sacred and grateful moment to light a candle.
