A Mother's Grief: Kuya Keith

I love it when I hear your Adings and other children call you Kuya Keith. I don't know but it has been a music to my ear. At your wake, small children talked about you, their Kuya Keith like they knew you very well. Comments like " Ang bait ni Kuya Keith. Ang galing talagang mag-paint ni Kuya Keith. Sana maging katulad ako ni Kuya Keith" melted my heart. To know that kids looked up to you is priceless. You have done a good job anak.

As Kuya to Ading Linus and Ading Cxyrelle, I know you were the best they could have. I know you used to tease them a lot and even made them cry (in a good way), but I also know that you loved them very much. You were selfless, always willing to sacrifice for your Adings. You were not one to necessarily ask for anything from anyone. But when your Adings asked anything from you, you would give it to them without hesitation. When Mama asked you if Ading could have what you had, you would just say, "It's okay po". Most of the time, you argue with your Adings only because you tease them a lot and sometimes they get too sensitive, especially Ading Linus. I don't think you ever fought with them. You were very patient and tolerant when it comes to them.

One thing that I really admire about you as a big brother is how you looked after them and never wanted to leave them. Well, you left them in the end, but what I am saying is, you wouldn't want to go anywhere without them. Remember, you didn't want to come with me to England because you didn't want to leave them? Ah, how I wish things didn't happen the way they did.

Just like me and your Papa, you never addressed your Adings by their first names. You have always called them Ading, well apart from calling Ading Cxyrelle Kika, which was your form of endearment towards her.

You certainly had so many memories with your Adings. You were their bestfriend. And they love you and miss you very much.