Yam's 40th

Yesterday, May 27, was Yam's 40th day. It was so quiet at home. Our silence was gladly diverted to Yam's pictures. On her framed picture, she exudes tranquillity and joy. Her eyes glitter, her smile captivates, her countenance radiates life. She hugs on to Ashlee, her brown cuddly bear given by her Tita Helen in June 2006.

After breakfast, the three of us at home went onto our chores for the day. Quietly and purposefully.

At about 4 in the afternoon, it was breezy at the Forest Lake, Davao City where Yam was laid to rest. Where I stand gave me the best vantage look at the gently flowing Davao River and the luscious vegetation nearby. The undulating terrain exemplifies the waves of life and the serene environment suits my mood. The soil on Yam's plot was freshly cleaned up. The grass has taken root, thanks to the frequent afternoon rains.

I began to mutter words and phrases I used to tell Yam when she was still around. A long silence, then prayers were said, but not very long. Tears flowed, but weren't buckets-ful. Memories flashed, but weren't in torrents.

We have accepted. We are moving on. But the grief lingers. We terribly miss a characteristic laughter, a gentle voice, a trusting heart. But deep within us, we silently nod in trust and gratitude at God’s unfathomable and infinite wisdom.
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(Our special thanks to Manny Mascunana who offered a mass for Yam at the Carmelite in Cebu, and to our friends and relatives who offered their prayers for Yam where they were on this day. God bless us all.)
(Yam's elder brother Joseph posted in his site his thoughts on Yam's 40th day.)