As I started writing this on Friday, my brother and I just got off the phone saying our farewells to our dear grandaunt, “Ima” or “Mama Nancy” as we fondly call her. Half an hour later after our call, we learned that she already passed away. We thank God for our cousin Kay and Auntie Susan who included Ima in the birthday video greeting for Alvin’s 50th and she looked healthy and well that time. This was back in January. We got to see her again via video call 3 days ago when her heart failure started. I believe she knew that her days were numbered and requested loved ones to be by her side. Today, we got to see her for the last time on her final moments. She got her wish to die not in the hospital but her own bed surrounded by loved ones. What a great way to leave this world!
The Hidalgo siblings are most loved and respected in the family. I did not get to meet my own grandfather as he died at a young age. My grandaunt Mama Elsa took my mom and her brother in and other siblings looked after them too. This included Mama Nancy, Mama Joy, Daddy Leo and Mama Lily. I have the fondest memories of them. I am grateful for each one of them for they are instrumental in allowing my brother and I maintain deep relationships/connections with our cousins, nephews and nieces. They have a vital role in keeping the love and care alive among the current and next generation of relatives. Not only that, they taught us great lessons of self-worth, value of life and relationships and importance of social responsibility. Mama Elsa passed on in 2002; Daddy Leo in 2017 and now it’s Mama Nancy’s turn. It is always with deep sadness losing a loved one that has a great impact in our lives.
Mama Nancy was a remarkable woman. She was a devoted wife to another influential figure Daddy Moy who passed away decades ago. They have 7 children who have excelled in their medical, legal and government careers. The whole clan has all praises for this family – the Ocampos. Each of the children has such a big, generous, and loving heart. This reflects of how well they were raised. They are the ones that would look after the welfare of others before themselves. When we were in the Philippines – on personal visits or even phone calls, there will be unending laughter and just that kind of cheerful and wonderful atmosphere where you feel accepted and that you belong. Despite their successes – living and earning well in the US, they always remain grounded and humble. They never fail to shower us with gifts via Balikbayan boxes and when I was in Manila – always have something to share when they visit the Philippines.
I recall Mama Nancy’s house in Pampanga before they migrated to the US. I remember it to be very clean and organized. My mother told me that in Mama Nancy’s house, you will not find a speck of dust, the floors shining, her pots/pans always well maintained, and the clothes folded uniformly and kept tidily. This was the training she got from Mama Nancy. We have such a lovely time in her house – the never-ending delicious food and the joyful atmosphere evoke beautiful memories. On reunions, the adults were on one table and the younger ones on another table. The adults were laughing the whole time reminiscing on all the happy days or teasing one another.
Mama Nancy was a beautiful woman and even won several beauty contests during her single days. When you are with her there was a sense of calm, peace, and loveliness all around. Her beauty was evident not only on the outside but her heart as well. She just had so much love to everyone around her. I had the opportunity to visit Pomona and LA back in 2009 and the same spirit of unity, joy and fun surrounded each home I visited. Where Mama Nancy was, the family kept the tradition of meeting every Sunday and I witnessed the combined birthday party and Christmas celebration (Mama Nancy’s birthday falls on December 25). It was the same format as I remembered it when I was young at the Pampanga residence – the difference was that I was part of the adults table and the younger ones entertained us with their talents in singing and dancing. I was glad that the tradition was held intact through the years.
Death always has a way of keeping a pause in our tracks and make us reflect. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7: 1-2 “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.” Indeed, we should take heart on the legacy we will leave behind. Will people remember us fondly or otherwise? Will our name leave a sweet smell or the opposite? May we take time to reflect. More than leaving a strong legacy, do we know where we are going in the afterlife? Will it be eternally in heaven or hell? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Believe and accept Jesus and we will be assured of eternal life.
Our family will always remember Mama Nancy with deep love, admiration, and respect. She will surely be missed. In time the pain will fade and the beautiful memories and legacy she left behind will continue to warm our hearts. Farewell Ima… Thank you for everything. We love you!
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