Late Post IV: Another farewell

December 11, 2014 will always be remembered as a sad day, especially for my mother. This is the day when her elder sister Estrella (or Aunt Ester as we fondly call her) passed away after succumbing to breast cancer. She was 82 years old.

Aunt Ester was my favourite aunt. She was a simple, god-fearing woman. Her always pleasant disposition was infectious; whenever you are in her company you always feel light-hearted and relaxed. She was a very funny woman who liked to make jokes. When I was a kid she would always visit me and my siblings in Pampanga and took care of us while my mom and dad were at work.

The last time we saw each other was at my dad's funeral roughly six years ago. I wish I made the effort to see her more often after that.

We attended her interment on December 14, 2014. The last four remaining siblings of the Maninang-Malonzo family were reunited to say their final goodbyes to their dear sister. My aunt Luna (far right) is already 86 but her wit is still sharper than a Swiss Army knife. My aunt Luz and her brother Sol are already in their late 70's. My mother (second from right), the youngest of 8 children, will turn 70 later this year.

Death is inevitable, but losing a loved one always feels so unreal nonetheless. It's hard to fathom that I will never see my aunt again, or hear her jokes and her laughter. But in retrospect I guess it is much better this way. Aunt Ester will no longer have to feel the excruciating pain she had to endure, especially during the late stages of her illness.

In loving memory of my aunt, Estrella Malonzo-Estacio.