By Mae Dinal Frias
"To everything there is a season, a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born,and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to keep, and a time to cast away."- (Ecclesiastes 3:1-6 ESV)
We are here today to mark a season, in the memory of our mother, Aurea Makiling Dinal, so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that her life was to us, and the pain that her passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen, be strong to cast away this moment of pain and remember more clearly to keep our times joy.
Nanay was 89 when she passed away Monday morning of January 2 just past Christmas. The last goodbye is the hardest to say to a loved one - most specially a mother. We wish that we had more time, and perhaps that during the time we had, we had spent more of it together. I'm thankful to God for the time we have during her birthday last August. We wish that the last moments of her life had not been marked with pain, that things could have been different for her, and for us. While we know that she is at peace and that her struggles are at an end, there is pain and sadness. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance. The ways she touched our lives will remain, and I ask you to keep those memories alive by sharing them with me and with one another.
One of the most important things in Nanay ’s life was making sure all's in order and neat. She's never at ease. Always scurrying around with either broom and dust pan or duster in hand. Cleaning was her obsession.
Nanay was an only child. Then blessed with half-siblings when Mama Siling married Tatay Ninong.
Nanay married Tatay at a young age. After Tatay tragically died, our family was her focus, and her role as mother and later as grandmother to our children - specially Eva's daughter Tracy and Ondoy's children Nikki and Ben whom she had the joy of caring when they were babies, was the most important thing to her. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with her family was what Nanay took pride of most of all.
Her life had many obstacles, and she struggled immensely being fully dependent on Tatay. Yet through it all, her love and caring for her family remained her focus, and in so many, many ways, she was able to show her own way how to love us - most specially her devotion to Tatay. She persevered and never re-married, even with overtures she had been exposed. This perseverance through adversity is a powerful lesson for us, and I believe it is her legacy. What a wonderful lesson she gave us. Don’t let adversities or setbacks or any of the distractions of the world keep you from this most important aspect of life.
How many people in this world have it so much easier than our Nanay did. How many never had to face half the trouble she faced, and yet lose sight so easily of what is truly important. Many of us get distracted by insignificant things in life, many of us brood and focus on our little problems, and forget that which is most important.
But despite everything Nanay went through, she managed to send all 7 of us through college. What can be more important than equipping your children for living. Nanay kept her faith through all of her trials.
Thank you Nanay for the privilege of being your daughter.
We’ll close today with the 23rd psalm ‘the Lord is my shepherd’, but before we do, on behalf of myself, husband, my 2 daughters Hannah and Sarah, and rest of the family, I’d like to thank you all for coming here today.
The Twenty-Third Psalm(KJV)
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; Thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head
with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
I love you Nanay. Take your rest in our Heavenly Father's comfort.
In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say ... Amen.
Your loving daughter, Mae
❤❤❤
Nanay, Rest.
By Felix 'Titing' Frias
When most people think about a “mother-in-law” there are quite a few thoughts that come to mind, and not all of them are flattering. Images of a mother-in-law constantly meddling in a marriage or making trouble may come to mind, or perhaps the thought of a bitter old woman moving in and constantly bickering with you about your family and your children.
To me Nanay was none of those things, though. She was a sweet, gentle woman. She welcomed me into both her home and family with open arms.
I remember the first time I BOLDLY visited Mae in Tagbilaran as a destitute and struggling unimpressive young man. 'Totoy' they called me. Strict and choosy as Nanay Auring was, (I was told, like every mother would do for their beautiful daughters), she received me in her house, allowed me to eat at her table and even let me sleep in Ondoy's bedroom-who's just a teenage boy at that time. That instant, I made the commitment to work hard to win Mae, so I can be her son-in-law. And boy, hard it was indeed, as any upscale endeavor is. But, all worth it!
Nanay was Nanay to me and to many, I realized. Many years later, as my whole family joined with Nanay in Florida, USA, she was well known around our community in Ocala, Florida, as everyone's Nanay. I knew her more deeply when she lived with us for a short time before coming back to Tagbilaran. I am ever grateful. I was blessed to experience for fleeting moments her motherly touch.
I wish Nanay stayed around for a bit longer. But none of us could and would have that control of a decision.
Life is a continuing cycle of generations. God says in The Bible - "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven- A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 NASB)
I can't keep silent but speak, there's no better mother-in-law. Nanay's goodness and welcome gifted me to be affiliated with her children - the finest I know, and a beautiful wife in Mae. And, I've been privileged to provide a contribution to her large family with 2 beautiful grand-daughters – Hannah (Anne) & Shasha (Sarah). I am graced with the highest honor to be called her son-in-law.
A feeling of longing creeps as she now moves on to the final realm of life in eternity. Yes, new generations come. Another goes. That's God's grand design. Today is Nanay's time. We are destined to dwell with God in our heavenly home. He called Nanay. She is going home.
It is overwhelming to grasp on our vantage view in this physical dimension. Our minds wonder. Our hearts ache. But, one day we will all understand. For now, grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ will help us through. We have this promise of His word - "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:7 ESV)
Thank you, Nanay for treating me like a son. I love you. Rest.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord, I say ... AMEN.
Lovingly, your Son-in-law, Felix
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