I cried a river of tears this morning during the necrological service of former President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila especially when Kris Aquino delivered the eulogy at Cory’s funeral after the requiem mass.
To the Filipinos, Cory was the former President of the Philippines who restored democracy to the Filipinos and freedom of speech. But for Kris and her siblings, she was their “mom”, to the grandsons and granddaughters – their doting lola. They say that moms are irreplaceable, it is because moms give us unconditional love all throughout our lives. Although dads are important aspect of the family, I personally think that a mother’s love is still different. As a mom myself, I vow to be a good mom to my children Gavin and Chloe.
Kris shared that her mom’s last words to them was “take care of each other, (not only as a family) but for all of us as a nation.” She also shared that her mom doesn’t want them to see her vulnerability, for she was their source of strength. She and her sister Pinky were witnesses to their mom’s most painful time while in the hospital, this made them decide that it was time to let her [Cory] go.
“You and I would always share that most painful memory of seeing mom finally break down and release all the pain that she bravely concealed from all of us. Mom never want us to see her vulnerable because she was always our strength. We had to witness this. We need to understand that it was time to let go.”
The following lines were excerpt of Kris’ heartfelf eulogy to her mom, her personal message to Cory this morning.
“Mom, I know in your lifetime that you went through the most for me, that I was able to give you the most joy. You would call me the female Ninoy. I always believed that I am your favorite…
How do I find the words to say goodbye? Paano bang magpaalam na alam ng puso mo na hindi pa rin sapat ang panahong ibinahagi sayo ng Diyos?
I lied to you. Nagsinungaling ako when I said we’d be ok. I did it because we wanted you to be free from all the pain. It won’t take a lifetime for us to be ok because we will forever miss you.
But if it means sacrificing your personal interest for the one you loved, it’s forcing yourself to let go. I thank you for the privilege of being your child. That my greatest gift to you will be living a life that I’m your good daughter.
Dad, it’s your turn now. You are her one and only love. Now that you are together again, no matter how painful it is for us to let her go, we were comforted knowing that mom is happy to be reunited with you [the martyred Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino in heaven.]
I love you. Goodbye, mom. Maraming salamat at paalam.”
As all of us were glued to the tv this morning and until this evening, Cory’s remain was finally laid to rest at 8:20pm, beside her husband Ninoy Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque.
I was moved with the ardent expression of love of the Filipino people, an event that was reminiscent of the love and support showered to the assasinated Ninoy Aquino. People amassed on the streets, braved the downpour, showed their gratitude and gave their final salute to Cory Aquino – who will be forever remembered by her countrymen and the world as a woman with good heart, strong faith, and a model of moral leadership.
this should be her mother’s moment. everything has to be about her (kris). always.
Mrs. Corazon Aquino was God’s instrument. Indeed, she was, and should be even after her death. But what have we done so far for the country, for our fellowmen? Think. Have we not violated a simple traffic rule in the last 48 hours (after Cory’s funeral)? Whine over a “trapo” politician? Picked up a trash in the street? Think. Simple rules to live by, but there will always be habits that are hard to break.
I agree. At the end of the day, it’s up to us – no matter how many heroes or icons cross our path, if we do not change our habits and be disciplined enough – we will not progress as a nation and prosper like our Asian neighbors.