When I was young, me and my younger siblings would have our dinner early, bathe and put on our pajamas. Then  cuddled pillows and wrapped with blankets while watching  a local show, the Magandang Gabi Bayan (of the now VP of  the Philippines, Noli de Castro). Every Halloween the show would feature ghost and scary stories. And they would run horror films and creepy, hair-raising movies and TV specials throughout the week, or even for a month.

There would be costume parties and programs at school.  And I would be usually dressed as an angel with wings and a halo, a witch with a broom stick, or a fairy with a  wand and fairy-wings, too.

It’s only now, with my son, that I’ve experienced Trick-or-Treating. Kids in their costumes carry little bags, or the plastic jack-o-lanterns, to put the sweet treats and  candies. But in most places in the metro, we do it in the  malls, or at the parents’ work. It’s not like in the  States, or in other countries, where children would knock at their door and scream “Trick-or-Treat, then they  would be given goodies.

Last year, 1 year-old Daniel wore a Skeleton costume. He was a chubby Skeleton Boy. Nothing really fancy, I just  bought the costume from a toy store.

But this year, he was a sad Ninja. Another rush purchase  from the store. There were no plans and no festive mood  for Trick-or-Treating. Since Mom passed away last month,  I’ve been so lazy to think and prepare for whatever happy occasion.

And since we got an invitation from Rustan’s for a Wizard  Ball, and I would not want my son to bore his days inside  the house just because im not interested for merriment,  we went to the party. There were snack bars and food  booths, face painting, and gift bags for the kids. Little  boys and girls wore different costumes and masks. There  was a pretty little girl on a peacock costume, a Pirate  boy, an Angel with white feather wings, fairies, and  super heroes, too. The party was opened with a Wizard  talk, story telling, Games, a Magic and a Pet Show.

Halloween is celebrated every 31st of October in the  Philippines and in other countries. And in Europe where  it was originated. The term Halloween is said to be  shortened of All Hallows’ Even, as it is the eve of  “All Hallows’ Day”, which is today known as the All  Saints’ Day.

I HELD MY Mama’s hands on her last moments of life. It was a painful struggle for me to have witnessed her unexpected departure. A strong woman of courage, hope, faith, and love slowly weakened, and then in a flash, she left. I held her hands tight and hugged her not wanting to let go. I prayed so hard to God. I asked my Lolo Willy and all the angels and saints to help her. I constantly bugged the doctors and nurses. Me and Papa kept telling her how much we love her, assuring her that she will be alright and we are not going to leave her side. My younger siblings and Aunties talked to her over speaker phone. She was comatose. But tears sprung from her closed eyes.

I never like hospitals but I was able to stand and embraced the situation, braving myself to hold Mama, keeping her warm, watching the monitor for her stats, checking the ventilators, and pumping the ambobag. But her human body was no longer responding to the drugs.

It was difficult to understand. I could not believe. I could not accept. But I know I have to. And I am learning to understand that God took my Mama to end her mundane sufferings, and give her the eternal rest she deserve.

The Best Mother In The World, would be an understatement. She was indescribably a wonderful mother. And no adjective could give justice to how she loved me, Nice, Eddieboy, and Princess. She was always there for us. Took good care of us when we’re sick. She was never a nag on how we led our lives, no high expectations, never a time she embarass us, appreciates our little gifts, no demands. But only loving arms when we are weak.

I grew up seeing her a loving wife to Papa. Where Mama was, there’s Papa. They’re inseparable. I don’t remember them fighting. They argue a lot but always quick to kiss and smile and laugh. They always pray the rosary and hear mass together. For more than 30 years they held hands surpassing whatever obstacle that came their way.

I often heard her stories of her childhood. She was proud to be the daughter of the late Lolo Willy and Lola Equit. Her siblings, my aunties and uncles, were dearest to her. My Auntie Lunz, Uncle Mar, Auntie Telz, Auntie Ciel, Auntie Bing, Auntie Neng, Auntie Victoria, and uncle Yen. She told me a lot of stories to make me understand their misses. Her favorite Aunt Lola Loret, and te Tabz and Uncle Jun, her Uncles and Aunts and cousins were always on her thoughts. She took care of Lola Saling her mother in-law like her own mother. And my Auntie Sheila, to her was like one of her own sisters , and bro-in-laws Uncle Ting and Uncle Dante. She mentioned how grateful she was to Uncles Yoy, Noy and Paul for loving her sisters dearly. She was also a thoughtful aunt, was first to bathe every niece and nephews when they were born.

Family, friends and neighbors tell stories of how Mama helped them in any way. Her wise advices and kind-hearted thoughts will always be remembered. She made all things beautiful by her own hardworking hands. Her creative mind and artistic sense deserved praises, you’ll be awed when you see her hand-made bags. She can turn smelly fish scales into lovely roses. She made pretty dresses for me, and my sisters, and our dolls, too.

I was so blessed that Mama’s last few months was spent with my son. The few months vacation that turn out to be longer. She was never tiring when it comes to taking care of Daniel. She was excited to wait for Daniel at school, and prepared his snack box and uniform. She took care of my son when I was having Asthma attacks. Daniel would pull her arms, and raises his arm so Mama would carry him. She taught me how to be a good wife. Kept reminding me that my husband, Nel, is a great man. And needs to be pampered like how she baby-ed Papa. She prepared hot Milo for Nel when he’s busy working infront of the computer.

Mama never put weight on  anything, she just simply lightens everything.

God saw you were getting tired
and a cure was not meant to be.
So he put his arms around you
and whispered, “Come with me.”

 With tearful eyes we watched you
as we saw you pass away.
Although we loved you deeply,
we could not make you stay.

 Your Golden Heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Mama passed away 20th of September 2008, Makati City.. And we brought her back home., in Davao where she now lies peaceful beside Lolo Willy’s grave..

by Therese Williamson, Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul, Golden