Dearest Tata (Grandfather)

It's been 3 years since you crossed over

and I feel even more closer to you

I grieve not because you're physically gone

I cry because I miss you so much

I remember the times when you would crush

coke cans with your makeshift can crusher

filling them with rocks so they would weigh more :)

I see you sitting in the garage, wearing a white sando

tweezing away the stubble on your chin

I watch you stuffing homemade longanisa (sausages) on the kitchen table

and smell the sweetness of ensemada (muffins) baking in the oven

I see you riding your bike to Burger King

or Panorama Mall to hang out with your fellow veterans

I miss bringing halo halo to you when I would visit

Oh the memories of a granddaughter,

I could go on and on and on and on...

I hold these memories in my heart for they are now

stories I can pass on to my future family

You are the closest ancestor I know

and the closest to my heart

Through my dreams, rituals and ceremonies

I reconnect with you and feel you

On this special day, I celebrate your life

and ask that you pass on your courage

during this time when I need it the most

As I take your hand to my forehead as a sign of respect 

I send you my prayers for I know you will answer them

As I honor you, I honor Apung Maliari,

You brighten up our lives the way the Moon

enlightens the night

 

Dakal a salamat pu!

~ Atchi