Mama & Me, Ama & Me Moments
Also Sister & Me, Auntie & Me
Almost 2 years since Mama was called by God to join Papa. How time flies. With the blink of an eye, we are now in the "BER" months. A sudden sadness I felt for just remembering. Yet knowing Papa and Mama are now in a better place with God is more than enough to brighten my heart. Thank you Jesus.
On this second anniversary of Mama's departure, I dug up the family pictures from the files of more than 40K++ pictures to bring out some of the magical moments we shared with Mama. A few of them are 50+ years old, yet it seems very much like as if it was just yesterday... I called this page "Mama & Me, Ama & Me, Sister & Me, Auntie & Me." - Walden Sep-11, 2019
Click Photo for your Mama and You, Ama and You Moments
My Mother Song
In time for Mama's second anniversary, I have a brand new recording of the song "My Mother." This time in collaboration with a new friend, pianist and string guitarist Godwin Owulo of Nigeria. Anthony Donato of Adelaide, Australia, shared his talents with Tenor Saxophone. The original song I wrote with Federico Susino of Italy, 2 years ago has been recorded 4 times since then. Meanwhile take a listen to the new My Mother Instrumental track. -- Walden 09/15/19
2019, performed by Godwin Owulo on guitar and piano, Tony Donato on Saxophone.
2018, Jai Lynn on Vocals
2018, Mirko Perozzi on Piano
Jose Venezuela Orchestra on both 2018 Versions
2017, Original Version by Deri Susino on Vocals, Steve Giddings on Lead Guitar and Jose Venezuela Orchestra.
Parting Words
Walter 09/10/2019
I have been thinking a lot of our parents most especially Mama. I miss them so much. This morning, I accidentally browse through my notes I prepared for Mama.
These were my parting words to Mama on her last few days with us...
Beginning is important but ending is better.
Quit living in the past but instead look up to the future.
Let past be past. So much to have in the future....think what God has promised us.
If we believe in God, He will never leave nor forsake us.
We can't move forward looking behind.
We are the product of our past but we don't have to be a prisoner of it.
Every setback is a set up for a big comeback.
Things happen for a reason.
Look at the positive side how this brought us closer than ever....papa, you.
What is the purpose of life?
It's not about yourself but it is really about others.
Sickness or death is inevitable. God has purpose on anything.
Some people go early, some later...Papa, Guama.
But we should not be sad because it won't help. Just Think about the good life you have had, the good family and all the blessings.
God loves everybody. When He calls us, we have to feel lucky because God wants us to be at His side.
So if you want to go, just go. We will be sad but we will also be happy because you will not suffer anymore. Papa is waiting for you.
I love you Ma, I always do.
Blending Work and Family
Walter 09/15/2019
When asked what is the most important to them, most people say family. Yet, oddly enough it is often family that is first to be pushed aside from busy schedules. We sacrificed and work long hours so we can provide for our family and yet, there were times when we were physically present with our family but mentally wandering somewhere else. That's what I admired about our Mother, no matter how busy she was, she always have the ears to listen to our problems, to our little triumph in life, or even our silly ideas. Mom was always there for us, through thick or thin. Now that our parents were both with our Lord, it is now our turn, as parents, to teach and show our children the Power of Moment. The power of today...because the future is purchased by Today. While we reap benefit from the past and dream for the future, to enjoy the greatest satisfaction, we must live and find happiness in our Todays.
This Sunday, 09.15.2019, Joshua took some time from his busy schedule to visit us. We took the opportunity to take these pictures during his visit. It's the little things in life, that we all take for granted, that really matters the most.
Visiting Mama in Manila
Bing 09/25/2019
Sep-25, 2019. Visiting Mama in Manila. Ever loyal Mama's friend Auntie Bin-Giok visited with 504, Ton Ton, Auntie Neneng, Saku, Bing Bing, Sally and Vincent. From the Chinese Cemetery, they had a wonderful dinner at the King Chef Restaurant in Manila.
Remembering Mama in California
Sep-25, 2019. Arcadia, California. Remembering our beloved Mama/Ama with a simple home-cooked dinner at Chiak's home with Mama's favorite friends, Auntie Bee San, Auntie Siok Hua and Auntie Maria Drew and Uncle Charles Chu. After a group singing of Papa's "He is Like a Tree", Uncle Charles lead the group in prayer for the celebration Mama's life, and giving thanks for wonderful friends and family.
Bay Bay flew in from Manila, Joshua drove 50 miles from Corona to attend the celebration, Auntie Letty took a day off from work to join, Amber also took time off from work for the occasion. Ibin and ChuChang brought a lot of Chicken dinner. Chiak Chiak and Jojo prepare home cook pancit and lumpia with the boys, Nino, Johnson, and Julian. 113 and Auntie Letty prepared gulay, crispy bulad, mango with Matt, John and 503.
Auntie Maria shared a nice Henry Timrod poem for the Mama on this occasion.
Draw close the lattice and the door!
Shut out the very stars above!
No other eyes than mine shall pore
Upon this thrilling tale of love.
As, since the book was open last,
Along its dear and sacred text
No other eyes than thine have passed --
Be mine the eyes that trace it next!
Oh! very nobly is it wrought, --
This web of love's divinest light, --
But not to feed my soul with thought,
Hang I upon the book to-night;
I read it only for thy sake,
To every page my lips I press --
The very leaves appear to make
A silken rustle like thy dress.
And so, as each blest page I turn,
I seem, with many a secret thrill,
To touch a soft white hand, and burn
To clasp and kiss it at my will.
Oh! if a fancy be so sweet,
These shadowy fingers touching mine --
How wildly would my pulses beat,
If they COULD feel the beat of thine!