Celestina dear friend, you left too soon.
We remembered your good heart, your compassion, selflessness and down to earth nature. We remembered the countless ways you cared for us--from making us coffee while on night shift, sharing your beauty secrets while applying moisturizers to our faces, serving us food even before you take a bite yourself, writing us a beautiful card when we were sad & crying with us when we were heartbroken, just to name a few. These were simple acts of kindness but were heartwarming to us. You spoiled us with your constant care.
Mon & I remembered when you volunteered to help us get some paperwork from Manila City hall on your last week of pregnancy with Chelo. We rode an owner(jeep) that had a bumpy ride and you had contractions a day or two after. We joked that the bumpy ride caused Chelo's birth a few days early than your expected date.
We remembered how you woke up in the middle of the day to meet us for an hour whenever we came for a day's visit to California & returned home to catch more sleep before your shift.
We remembered how tolerant and patient you were with our pettiness & whining but never shy to voice out your own point of view.
We admired your love for your kids and how proud you were when you spoke about them. They were your pride and joy.
You were gracious and respectful to all your friends' parents just like you were to your Mama & Papa. In Abu Dhabi, you shared your parents' letters with us like we were their own kids. We felt their loved with their "paalalas" and advices.
To us you were the queen of organization & cleanliness. Everything you owned were laid out and arranged well --from pens, documents to your clothes. You were the best among us in handling finances. You were frugal but never stingy, always ready to offer help without expecting anything in return.
We will miss you when we travel to the Holy Land. We were set to go last year but was cancelled due to Covid.
We will miss you --- from our group meetings, small talks, arguments, laughter and texts. Our hearts are heavy and our eyes are wet whenever we think of you. It will take time to get use to your absence or maybe never.
We love you, Cehl. Rest in peace. From, Joji, Mon, Terrie & Zen.