death is the start of a new life for those who are left behind, it is the start of realizations, of new beginnings, it brings family closer. It reconciles differences, and softens even the coldest of hearts. Its ironic that such a sad event could be a start of healing.

My family is not your traditional Filipino Family, we were brought up, liberally, at an early age I already found out the most important lesson to survive, to count on to yourself and no one else. I did not have parents who guided me through elementary, through high school or college, I did not have parents who check on my homework, who gave me curfews, who attended PTA meetings. I did not worry about staying out too late, getting in trouble, having a boyfriend in an early age, I did not have parents who pushed me to study hard, to dream big , i did not have parents who guided me every step of the way. But I have a lola, who sacrificed everything for her apos. And that why I turned out to be okay. Thats why I graduated, thats why Im happily working now in my chosen field, that why even with out a proper family environment I turned out okay. Love does so many things to people, My lolas love saved me from a life full of hatred, her love is the only thing that guided me to strive for a fuller life.

But realization often comes too late. It was too late to say thank you, or to let me show her my gratitude. But I know she left at peace, because I turned out to be okay.