Always In Our Hearts

This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me and for my family. As I have mentioned in earlier posts, my grandmother (my grandmother's sister) passed away on 8.4.12. Since that day, my entire family began the "Pasiyam" (within the Filipino culture, families of the deceased gather at the home and conduct a 9-day prayer beginning on the day they passed away). We were there for our beloved Grandma Vi, as well as for her husband, my grandfather...I know the first couple of weeks are going to be so hard for him. I truly believe that he will get through this with the support of family and friends. I loved how my family was there for him every evening, making sure that he knew he wasn't going through this alone. My grandfather and aunt arranged for the funeral services to be scheduled during the Pasiyam.

I wanted to share a few moments during my grandmother's viewing, mass, and interment. There was so much  love and kindness and compassion shown throughout...it was very beautiful and peaceful. Also, my sister was able to capture some bittersweet moments when I didn't have it in me to bring the camera out.

In loving memory of Elvira Yuste, our dear Grandma Vi...FOREVER WITH THE ANGELS, BUT ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.

{Side Note} 

I created these ribbons with all of the family names that took part in the Pasiyam. These are to be placed in my grandmother's casket so that we will be with her always and she is not alone in her afterlife.

{Love} Photos circa 1965.

{Location: Chula Vista, Ca}

The Funeral Viewing~ 8.9.12
[Location: Community Mortuary]

I was one of the people that gave a eulogy for her. I was unable to keep my emotions in...the tears just kept falling and falling as I spoke of the memories I had with her and of her and my grandfather. In the end, I'm glad I did it...I was able to say my goodbye to her.

The Funeral Mass~ 8.10.12

[Location: Saint Charles Parish]

The mass service was beautiful....the priest's words hit a soft spot and for a lot of us....the realization set in, myself included. I quietly lost it during the last 10 minutes of mass. Controlling my sobbing was hard...but at least I wasn't the only one.

{Location: San Diego, Ca}

The Day of Interment~ 8.13.12

[Location: Miramar National Cemetery]

My heart was breaking at this moment....for my grandfather and for my grandmother (seated in the wheel chair behind).

{Love} 

I heard my grandfather say, "I have always loved you, and no one else. I will always love you Vi."

    We love you and we miss you dearly Grandma Vi. Rest peacefully now and watch over us all from above.

Our Final Farewell

Today, my family and I said our final farewell to our beloved Grandmother. We drove a convoy (complete with police escorts) all the way to her final resting place in Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego. Rest peacefully Grandma Vi...and watch over us from above. We love you with all our hearts.

A Life Well Lived

Today I received a phone call from one of my grandfathers and I found out that my grandmother passed away earlier this morning (she is my grandmother's sister). So many things happened after that phone call... I don't want to get into too many details here...but it was a VERY difficult day for all of us. Of course, we were all there for my grandfather...and he was so strong for all of us today, I know that couldn't have been easy for him. He held his own, even when the rest of us broke down. The next couple of days will be just as difficult...even more so for my grandfather...and my heart goes out to him because I know the road that's ahead of him is not an easy one. My grandmother was...IS his life. I am just so thankful that our family is such a loving and supportive one...and I know that he will get through this with us by his side.

My sister and I were able to go through some old photos of my grandparents. Seeing them as they were back then...I couldn't help but smile. They seemed so full of life and were living it out together (so many traveling pictures!). My sister and I were put in charge of making the photo montage for the viewing later this week...and what a beautiful montage it will be :)

Sighhh...I feel like I have cried out all of the tears that I could cry out (for today at least)...and now, I'm just left with a stuffy nose and very puffy, red eyes. It's been hard seeing her struggle with her health on and off this past year. As much as I am missing her right now and wishing that she is still here with us...I know she's finally resting peacefully amongst angels. I'd like to think that she's watching over us from heaven...and we will keep her in our hearts forever.