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.

A Rekindling & A Farewell

Last weekend, we threw a farewell pool party for my cousin Amy (she's moving on up to Sausalito, Ca with her husband Tassi and her daughter Mia). I am going to MISS THEM! Also, my sister decided to gather us cousins up (before we go our separate ways) and re-take a group photo from back in 2006 & 2007...this may be the last time we're all together here in San Diego for a LONG while.

{Side Note}
Please excuse my cheesiness as you'll see below with the before and after photo comparisons...I couldn't help myself! :)

Check out our 2007 photo below --->

{Side Note} 

It was a Christmas photo we took at Picture People. Hence the red, white and black color scheme :)

Group fun shots coming your way!

[The Gals]

[The Guys]

[The Fabulous Five]

Hahaha! We took photos as well early in 2006. These three are my first cousins (my mom's brother's kids) but I truly see them as my own siblings. They grew up with me and Charlene...and I love them dearly :)

Check out our photo in 2006 --->

I'm at the top of the cousin command chain here (meaning, I'm the eldest) and I can't believe how much these guys have grown. In my eyes, I still see them as they were back when they were all just wee little ones...

AND 4 feet shorter than me! Haha! I guess I'll always see them that way no matter how much older we get :)

Check out this photo from 1998 --->

{Side Note}

Taken after a fun-filled day at Knotts Soak City in Chula Vista, Ca. Of course, we're without Reeka here because she came later 2001 ;)

After our photo shoot, we all got ready for some poolside action. WAVE TIME!!! Hahaha! These guys know what I'm talking about :)

I'll miss these two gals for sure...but I am SO happy and excited for Amy and her new life with her family! 

A Revival: Viva Bright Light City~ Day 4

Summer 2011 Road Trip - Arizona & Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: June 16-20, 2011

[Post 4 of 4]

Last Summer, we road tripped it out to Arizona and Nevada...well, for the most part. We took a quick plane ride from San Diego to Phoenix (just to maximize the time we had out here).  I have never been to the Grand Canyon, but I've always wanted to go. So, we (me, my sister Charlene, Enrique & my cousin Alee) decided to go. Our road trip itinerary? It's a doozy, but we drove from Phoenix --> Jerome --> Flagstaff --> Campe Verde --> Sedona -->Williams to see the Grand Canyon --> Flagstaff --> Las Vegas by way of old Route 66! 

I took SO many photos...so this is going to be a pretty long post! With that being said, I'm going to break up this post into 4 different parts- highlighting what we did for each day of our road trip/vacation. Here we go with Day 4 and our final day of our trip!


{Location: Las Vegas, Nevada}
Quick Vegas trip to visit our friend, Jen. We intended on checking out Hoover Dam while we were here...but simply just didn't have enough time.


[The Infamous Vegas Sign]

[Serendiptiy 3]

Started off our day with some lunch at Serendipity 3 at Caesar's Palace. This was my first time here and I am officially a fan of their food! SO GOOD! I seriously wanted to order everything.  

{Love} I ordered the "Wake Up Call" drink. Mmmm :)

{Love}

I ordered the High Heel Stiletto Sandwich (prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella & tomato). It comes with sweet potato fries too!

[Bellagio Hotel Gardens]

Their Summer 2011 set up was gorgeous! So many bright & lively colors!

[Fremont Street- Old Las Vegas]

It was our last night in Vegas...so we wanted to "take it old school, 'cause I am an old fool, who's so cool" (hahaha, whomp there it is)! Anyway...I digress...um, the night we went, there were various bands playing 80s rock and pop songs. Awesome awesome night! Great music and great fun with great people :)

{Side Note}

Jen and I were totally contemplating whether or not to do zip lining....it looked SO fun up there. But I was wearing a dress so...there goes the deal breaker.

Fremont Street was SO MUCH FUN. Lots to see and do here! The street performers were interesting to watch as well. We saw impersonators for Prince, KISS, and of course Elvis! It was a great way to end our stay in Vegas ;)

[McCarran Airport]

Adieu Vegas! It was sweet and short, but so much fun. Now on our way back home to San Diego...

{Love} Enrique planking...hahaha :)

All good things must come to an end! SIGH. This was truly an amazing trip! Although it was a fairly short one, it definitely was still one to remember. We did SO many things. Jam-packed all the way...just how I like it!