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| Bernardita Zalazar Carpio |
THIS year is still the Year of Faith which is from October 11, 2012 to November 24, 2013. This story starts with a young woman with onyx long hair, well shaped eyebrows, deep set, brown eyes, high cheek bones, straight pointy nose, medium full lips and an oval shaped face. She looked like a movie star and in fact was wooed to be one. But she wanted a quiet life, a family life.
As a single young lady she searched for her soulmate. She kept in mind the words of advice from her mentor, a Maryknoll nun, by the name of Sister Robert Marie, “If you want to find the right man whom God has planned for you, you have to be the right woman first.” She met her future husband in a dashing young man who was an Army Lieutenant. Her mother whose name is Fe (which is Spanish for faith) had ten children. She not only inherited the very Castilian features from her but also her wish to have a large brood. So on that blissful day on May 4, 1955, her wedding day, she prayed for a dozen children. She was 21 and he was 23.
On April 25, 1973 the 12th child was born. She always believed that God gives more than you pray for so two bonuses were added to the already one big happy family. To raise their children well her husband left the service and became a full time lawyer, writer, radio commentator, teacher, and director at a government post. She also taught piano lessons in her spare time to young children. But she was always a full time mom. She gave utmost importance to education. Study habits were practiced and excelling in school from elementary to college and graduate school was encouraged. Her children became honor students, salutatorians, valedictorians, scholars, graduated cum laude with distinction and magna cum laude that resulted to a collection of an almost myriad awards: certificates, medals, medallions, and trophies.
She loved nature and God’s creatures. A beautiful garden welcomed visitors to her house and they complimented her that it was like a paradise. The grandchildren adored the cute animals in her property. There were ducklings, kittens, puppies, chicks, kids, and lovebirds. There were also aquariums. She loved music so she taught each child how to play the piano. One daughter became a pianist. Her grandchildren can play musical instruments like the flute, piano of course, the violin, the guitar, and drums. She loved books thus, there was a mini library in her home.
Stories were her forte. Her children and grandchildren listened attentively to each adventure or misadventure. Her travel stories were the best like when one time in France she and her husband met President Francois Mitterrand. She recalled that chefs were very important to the French people. There was even a parade of chefs at the conference wherein the couple attended. She talked solemnly about seeing her namesake saint. As if the body were only sleeping, she observed. She added that she is beautiful still.
Friends in her life were abundant. There were a lot of get-togethers and parties at her humble abode. Everybody was welcome there. She was not selective with the people she dealt with in fact they come from all walks of life. Every Christmas day she prepared goodie bags for the poor. Placed inside were food, clothes, a calendar, and a brand new bill of cash. She was not rich in fortune but definitely she was rich in friends.
But the most important feather in her cap was her fervent faith which was always accompanied by prayer. Aside from the weekly Sunday mass she prayed the holy rosary with her family daily. In trying times when the funds are low she always said “God will provide.” Because of faith, her life was a testament of God’s Love, Grace, and Divine Providence.
All facets of her being shone like the brightest star. She was a good daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend. In fact some people I met told me that they were her best friends. And they reminisced about the many joyful but now nostalgic memories they have had together as Christians bonding in the celebration of the gift of life. She was a fresh faced fulfilled lady and her energy and joie de vivre were contagious. Hearing her hearty laugh could already make you happy.
All good things come to an end. In August 19, 1994 she had a heart attack and thereby ended her earthly duties. Even in death her faith echoed. Among her last wishes was to be entombed at the Peñafrancia Catholic Cemetery. That was impossible because the cemetery was full. I am reminded of the birth of Jesus when each inn St. Joseph knocked on was already taken. But through planning, prayer and faith a beacon of hope guided the family. A portion of the cemetery was to be allotted for deceased priests. Meetings took place and the Archbishop decided together with some members of the clergy to sell the aforementioned resting place to the public.
Her family was a “Model Filipino Family” awardee, “Angkan Awards,” World Family Institute, inc., 10 March 1994, Heroes Hall, Malacañan, Manila
She was a “Gintong Ina” awardee Gintong Ina/Ama Foundation, Inc
29 May 1988, In commemoration of the International Celebration of Mother’s and Father’s day.
Last Sunday May 12, 2013 was Mother’s Day. Like Christmas or Easter each day should be their day. We should honor our mothers. And love them too. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers all over the world both living and those in heaven.