Deep within, I know that the only thing that's truly important is being in alignment with Spirit. Therefore, anything that's not of Spirit, such as fear, Illness, worry, shame, anger, and the like is not worthy of my attention.
January 18, 2007 - Thursday Here you see a rare silver coin (they don't make silver pennys) that Michael found from a bowl filled with coins that Ron gave him. Initially we were all hoping it would sell half a million dollars. But reality is, its not worth that much. Michale and Ron will split it's net worth when they do get to sell it to the highest bidder. So far $700 US was the highest.
. . . . . . . . January 18, 2007 - Thursday Fernie, BC, Canada - Been snowing a lot.
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January 18, 2007 - Thursday Fernie, BC, Canada - Looks so glomy and depressing doesn't it?
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January 19, 2007 - Friday Kimberley, BC, Canada : Took this when I went out for my walk today. What you see is a part of the Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort where me and my friend go skiing sometimes.
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Friday - January 19, 2007 Taken from my walk today. Walking on snow is quite an exercise. Walking alone, listening to the crunching of the snow and that water streaming from this little creek.
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Sunday - January 21, 2007 Ron and I went to Calgary to get away for a while. I thought following this truck with an outhouse on it looked interesting. "Look honey, I bought you a new outhouse!"
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Monday - January 22, 2007 I revisited on foot alone the places where me and my mom were together the last time. I remember December 28, 2004 - I met my mom here at this exact place - The COOP Store in Calgary by 11th Ave. I miss ma. I put my sunglasses on, sat by the bench and just cried. I remember hugging her here. I Didn't know that would be one of the last moments I would have with her.
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Monday - January 22, 2007 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Monday, January 22, 2007 Ron and I headed back to Elko, British Columbia. I took this picture as we were heading in to a liquor store to buy some beer for later. This was in Crownest Pass Alberta. . . . . . . . .
Tuesday - January 23, 2007 , 3:47 PM Ron makes great salads. . . . . . . . .
Sunday , January 28, 2007 Fernie, BC - A reflection of Mike's kitchen light by the window. Looks like an eye in the sky doesn't it?
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Wednesday - January 31, 2007 Ron and I went to watch a play at a local community theater in Cranbrook, BC. The play is entitled Criminal Hearts. I had a great time.
So far that's it for January. Nothing much happening here except for these. I don't take pictures when I am at work so most of these pictures I take are from days when I am off. Please e-mail soon!
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. John and Joann's Wedding Day on December 28, 2006
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Kimberely, BC, Canada
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. Kimberely, BC, Canada
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. Kimberely, BC, Canada
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. Jasper, BC, Canada December 31st - Waiting for the New Year with a party can you tell where I am?
Wednesday, 01 November 2006 Seattle, Washington, USA Early Morning (Freezing!)
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Wednesday, 01 November 2006 Ron and I will be back on the road again today
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Wednesday, 01 November 2006 Somewhere in Washington. Ron and I were on our way back to Canada
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 Fernie, BC
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 Fernie, BC
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Thursday, 02 November 2006 Fernie, BC, Canada
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Friday, 03 November 2006 Luke - Driving
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Monday, 06 November 2006
forgot my cooler inside the car. It was freezing cold last night. next morning, the lid came off! some of the pop cans exploded from the freezing temperature.
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Monday, 06 November 2006 Frank - Ron's dad watching cowboy shows on tv
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Monday, 06 November 2006 my day off
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Friday, 10 November 2006 my ID picture
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 thats my white car. the van belongs to luke
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 decided to go for a walk today
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 this is where i get the mail. it's 7 minutes walk from where i live
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 25 minutes into my walk
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 30 minutes into my walk
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 40 minutes into my walk (now in the kimberley business district)
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 40 minutes into my walk
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 Saint Mary's Church, Cranbrook, BC, Canada (events at the hall downstairs)
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Saturday, 11 November 2006 pinoy party. Luke feeling out of place i think
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Tuesday, 14 November 2006 me waving at you!
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Tuesday, 14 November 2006 sooo cold
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Tuesday, 14 November 2006 my 31st birthday today
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Tuesday, 14 November 2006 take out dinner - my birthday dinner, ron's treat! I'm so happy!
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Thursday, 16 November 2006 ron goes to the hospital for leg surgery
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Friday, 17 November 2006 ron resting his leg from the operation at his home in elko
. . . . . . . . Sunday, 19 November 2006 I have been alive for 31 years now.
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Sunday, 19 November 2006 my birthday cake - a party for me
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Sunday, 19 November 2006 The Birthday Party
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Thursday, 23 November 2006 ron, freddy and kuya ben
Saturday, 25 November 2006 I only had $150 in the bank. But I bought snow boots today - $79.99. i didn't want to spend money, but my feet were always freezing..
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 didn't want to buy these either ($25.22). my feet were always freezing. even inside the house so what the heck - that's just money! But Jeez! everything is so expensive!
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Saturday, 25 November 2006
The Platzl (where local events are held) had something going on
tonight. It was the lighting of the christmas lights. I've never been
to one before, so I decided to take my camera and see even if I was
just by myself.
Here are snow queens (or whatever) they were so friendly! Everyone
there was happy (I was just a pair of eyes. Not so excited about
anything these days)
anyways, CHEEEZEEEE!!!
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 Fire dancers - buti nalang walang nasunog!
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 Christmas Carols.
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Saturday, 25 November 2006
Ayan ang mga tao - mga pamilya, mag babarkada etc.. lahat
magkakakilala. ako lang ang out of place. hehehe. Hindi ako at home sa
snow.
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 Paalis na ako ng Platzl. ang lungkot naman. Samantalang ang daming tao doon - heto ako...eeeeeeeeeeeeee. Kainis.
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 ayan uwi nanaman ako. Laging mag-isa. soot ko ang bago kong snow boots kaya lang malamig parin... I have to buy winter socks too I guess. Yosi nalang ako ng Marlboro Gold. (Regalo ni Joann sa akin nung B-day ko galing sa sister nyang nakapag bakasyon sa Pinas)
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Tuesday, 28 November 2006 i don't like winter - it makes me feel like sleeping all the time. it's depressing weather!
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Tuesday, 28 November 2006 shovel out in the snow 10 minutes and i got ice on my keys. i couldn't get them off! they were frozen!
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Tuesday, 28 November 2006 then my car has to be plugged in so I can start my car when i need to. it's been -20C for 4 days now.
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Tuesday, 28 November 2006 then ofcorse there's always snow to shovel.
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Thursday, 30 November 2006 hanging out with ron and his dad
Thanks so much everybody for being there for me and my brothers and their family! The Phone calls, e-mails and outpouring of support. Mama's passing was so sudden. It was a shock to everybody.
Your presence and your support during those difficult times I will forever be grateful for. Click on the photos for a bigger view.
My uncle Rene, My cousin's Mark & Roy
My cousin Abby and her hubby Allen .
My uncle Mike, my cousin Michelle & Myself.
Some of my family in California
Uncle Mike, My niece's daughter, Erickson, Cherylyne, Richard (with their friend) & Ben..
My cousin Mike and his Girlfriend
My niece Cherylyne - what would I have done without you?
Auntie Getty, Me, Auntie Angie & Uncle Rene.
Auntie Getty, Jerry, Auntie Angie & Uncle Rene.
Allen, Me, Dad Jerry, Michelle, Auntie Getty & Uncle Rene. When we saw the Picture, Michelle had goosebumps. I was happy though. It was like Mama's energy was there and she was trying to say goodbye too.
Thanks to all my love ones in the US. Love you all!
In Canada . . .
Also much thanks to Ron (who was always supporting me in every step of the way and back) , Kerry & Shawn (in Vancouver) , (Alvin of North South Travel who booked my tickets in Vancouver) & Bill who picked me up at the Calgary Airport when I got back. Friends and Family. - all those who sent e-mails and made calls (I can't name all of you now but you know who you are).
I really appreciate you guys. More than words can express. I am forever grateful.
"Every single person who's drifted in and out of your life is a part of your divinely chosen experience. As you move into the world of inspiration, you'll find it easy - and even necessary - to give thanks for all these people, and to take serious note of what they brought you" - Dr. Wayne Dyer
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September 2, 2006 ; 5:57 PM Nelson City, BC, Canada . . . . . . .
September 3, 2006 ; 2:14PM Nelson City, BC, Canada
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September 5, 2006 ; 7:58 AM On my way back to work from my day off
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September 8, 2006 Friday at 7:28AM Chatting with my brother Timothy and Lito and My sister in-law ate Imee. Mama's Yahoo Messenger Icon was Online. Mama was tired that day. She went to work and got so worn out.
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Mama got checked in the Hospital yesterday night (September 15, 2006). Today is September 16, 2006 Saturday 7:00 AM and headed to Calgary to work. I got called by Luke saying he needed me to go there. So with Ron's help, off we go. . . . . . . .
September 16, 2006 On the Road again. Mama is always on my mind. Really worried about her being sick but knowing she will be doing ok. I was just talking to her recently and she was going to be just fine. Prayers to God please let my Mom be OK.
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It was on September 18, 2006 - Mama had just passed away at 7AM in the hospital. I couldn't think normal for a quite a long time. I find myself in shock and disbelief and silent tears just kept flowing endlessly. Never have I felt so much pain and sorrow in my entire life. I couldn't fly to the US. I didn't have a visa! I was like losing my mind. I didn't know what to do. My life was falling apart. I called the US Embassy right away. I had to see mama. . . . . . .
September 22, 2006 at 10:22 PM I got an emergency appointment at the US Embassy in Vancouver and was finally given a VISA that same day - 4 days after mama had passed away. Everything suddelnly seems surreal at moments and I found out that will be like that for days to come.
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September 22, 2006 Looking down at San Diego from the airplane. I see the place where she spent the last 6 years of her life. My dear mama, we never even got to do the things we have always planned on doing together in San Diego. The sadness and regrets I had. If only I had worked harder on getting a visa last year then maybe we could have done all those. Once again, it seems like everything is surreal. This must be just a bad dream. I go blank. I am there but not really there. Like a zombie I was - sitting there filled with regrets and sadness.
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September 25, 2006 Mama's funeral. I had no desire whatsoever to take photos that day. I saw mama's dead body for the first time in a brown casket. I looked at it and had to tell myself that that is no longer my mom. That was just her body. Mama's essence lives on. The presence of her physical death was too painful for me to deal with. Thanks to my cousin Michelle for taking the camera. It now helps me deal with the reality of mama's passing.
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September 26, 2007 Mama's Burial Service was at the Alpine cemetary. It was a bright and sunny day. It was peaceful and serene day. It felt like summer. I could ever hear the birds chirp. In my mind I know that mama wants me to be happy now. I could almost feel the warmth of her hug and her love telling me she is in a much better place away from all the pain and suffering. That I must let her go now.
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September 26, 2007 We buried mama's ashes into the ground. Surreal as it felt to me, I had to snap out of it. Beside her grave I quietly whispered my goodbye to her and thanked her for all the love that she has given me and everyone else. I thanked her life that she had unselfishly shared with me and my family. I asked her to help me heal. I will miss her so much. That I will never ever forget you and the love you have taught me. I will always love you mama. Someday we will be together again all in God's perfect time.
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September 28, 2006 Flying back to Canada - I look out to the clouds and think that mama is back with God and now on a different level of her journey. Her physical journey has come to pass. She had now graduated and now on a much much higher level surrounded by the love of God. It must be beautiful there where she is now. She only lived 56 years.
My family members and relatives in the US who have given me so much love and support when I was at my weakest. I love you all!
September 2006 turned out to be a tragic and painful time for me and my family. It is on this month when we lost a most wonderful human being who had such positive and powerful influence in our lives. Her love and her life was a shining example of a truly worthy life.
Digna F. Simpson Her Journey Began: June 14, 1950 Her Journey Ended: September 18, 2006
She was my mother, my best friend and confidant. I don't even know how to move on from here. Ever since she left - there is this big emptiness in my heart. I was at her funeral. I carried her ashes and buried her. I went to places where she once was - her house, her room, her bed, her car and touched all the things she had - her clothes, her shoes, her computer, her scrapbook and pictures and up to now, as I struggle to carry on. It's hard to not cry over such a great loss. I miss her so much.
Digna's 56 Year Journey By: Edgar Lorenzo F. Nievera
It was on June 14, 1950 at 5:30 PM when my motherâs 56-year journey began.
She was the 5th youngest of 6 siblings to Dr. Alfonso Floresca & Nurse Francisca Agaat of Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines.
They named her Digna - from the Latin word dignus (fem: digna) meaning "worthy". Like any loving parents would, they wanted her to have a worthy life.
She was a loving and caring sister to Angie, Dennis, Christopher, Francis and Michael from the very start.
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My mother was a rare kind.
She had so many good qualities in her. She loved God. She loved life, friends and family, enjoyed children and animals and plants, great sense of humor, inventive and intelligent, a well-balanced personality. She was loving, self willed, strong minded reliable, independent hard worker who was honest and steadfast. She hated arguments and disputes.
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Moving from Mountain Province to Baguio City; On April 14 1967, so reckless and passionately in-love at 16 years old, she got married to Jose "Pepito" Nievera who was then 31 with 2 kids from a former marriage.
She became Pepito's loyal wife, and at an inexperienced age, She became an Instant adoptive mother of two - Emmeline (who was 4 years and 6 months old), and Joselito (3 years and 1 month old).
It was essential during those arduous times for her to grow up sooner than she needed. She nurtured them and loved them as her own. On Dec. 27 that same year, Their 1st born son - John Andrew was born.
She now had 3 children to take care of while Pepito left for work the rest of the day. She learned to be tough and not buckle in times of adversities. Instead, like the jewel that she was - she became a precious diamond as life became tough
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The year 1967 was a challenging and wearisome year for her.
At 16, she was working on getting a degree in Nursing. Back then - religious private school requirements in the Philippines made pregnant students ineligible to continue in that line of study. Married, Pregnant and broke, she independently put herself through school by competing for scholarships (of which she won).
A few years later, she would graduate cum laude from University of Baguio with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and would then start teaching Home Economics at the Baguio City High School in 1973. She was a 16-year-old full time mom and student and they were exceptionally poor
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Digna and Pepito lived in a small shanty in Quezon Hill, Baguio City where there was no water access, electricity or proper sanitation. My Grandparents (from my mother's side), being well to do as they were, saw the dreadful living condition under which Digna and her family were all living in and decided to buy A house for them as a birthday present. My mom had tears in her eyes when she recollected to me that very moving and touching day on her 18th birthday in 1968, opening the door to a house they can now call their own. Later she would give birth to two more sons; The second one when she was 20 in 1970 (Timothy Rhey) and the third was when she was 25 (Edgar Lorenzo) in 1975. ________________________
Disappointing to say, but 12 years later, that house eventually became an unwholesome and nasty living environment when my Uncle Dennis and his Family moved in to live with her family. Mama and family (although difficult to do) gave up and sacrificed leaving their 1st home in 1980 due to some unfortunate and embarrassing family feud and law suits.
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In 1980, She took her family away from the chaos of it all. Although it broke my mom's heart to leave the house her parents gave her, she knew peace of mind was more important than real estate.
My mother was persevering and determined to build a NEW home for her family even if it seemed impossible to do at that time (she and Pepito were not making much money). In 1981, through tireless willpower, Brains and hard work, that dream came true when she was able to build a small 2-bedroom house in Baguio (that's the small house above). Peace and quiet at last â just as she wanted for her family. (the house has since been remodelled and extended, and eventually completed)
That same year (1981), at 31 years old, she became a grandmother to her daughter Emmeline's (and Ricardo's) first born - Cherylyne. Years later her grandson's Erickson and Richard would be born and granddaughters Adrienne and Nicole (from Joselito and Lucille) were added to her list of growing grand children of which she was very proud of. The passing of years were very swift
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1994 was a very exciting year for her. At 43, her dream of becoming a biological grandmother was fulfilled. Timothy and Imee gave birth to a son Ivan. Only a few days later, John and Josie gave birth to Joe. A few more years later, and 3 more grandsons followed - Jack, James and Tryan. To her pride and joy, she had a total of 10 grandchildren by the time she was 50.
Unfortunately her marriage with Pepito had been in a state of distress since she was 30 and never got restored to a healthy state - which was a huge source of dreariness for everyone in the family. In those 20 years, she never got discouraged but instead kept the family together. She wanted her children to have a happy home. This was the time when as a child, I realized that she put everyone else's happiness ahead of her own. To her, family and children came first
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She became an active churchgoer at the Worldwide Church of God. Found strength in studying the bible and God throughout her downhearted marriage and she pursued further education to keep her going, where she later won an International Mombusho Scholarship grant in Japan. She studied there for 2 years and when she came back home to the Philippines, she expanded her studies and succeeded even further by graduating with a Masters Degree in Education, and later a Doctorate in Educational Management
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Teaching was her passion. She taught Home Economics at the Baguio City High School for the 28 years. Several years before she retired at age 51, she was an H.E Department head and later got promoted as Principal for Lucban Elementary School in Baguio City. Her life encouraged and touched thousands of students in all those years
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It was in 2001 at the age of 51 when she immigrated to the US to start a new life. By this time, she and Pepito had been separated for a decade. All of her children were living independent and favorable lives. Except for the youngest son, everyone of them had married and had children of their own. The wretchedness from an unsuccessful marriage was obvious to her children. None of us said anything but we understood when It was time for her to find happiness for her own
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In San Diego, California,
between 2002 to the last days just before she passed away, she continued teaching in San Diego California.
She taught in the following educational institutions :
1) Grossmont Union High School District 2) San Diego Mesa College and 3) Palomar College, San Marcos.
Up to the end - she tried to make a difference. And she did
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At age 54, just when she started to have frequent tear-jerking thoughts about growing old alone, God found a way for love to come along and sweep her off her feet. No one deserved more love and happiness more than my mom did. She and Jerry met on April 2005 and started going to the Seventh Day Adventist church together on a regular basis.
Their love for each other brought so much happiness not only to them but also to her children and siblings and friends who understood her life
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Jerry and Digna's love for each other can no longer be contained and with God's grace, they got married in February 2006. She was the happiest she had ever been in an incredibly long time. I could tell just by the bliss in her voice when I spoke to her over the phone, that finally, she felt certainly loved by her new husband â just as it should have been in all those washed out years
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Only 4 months in their marriage when the doctorâs report confirmed the alarming and frightening reality that she had colon cancer. This was shocking and ghastly news to everyone. All we could do was cry and pray and try to be strong for her
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Being the strong woman that she was all her life, she put on a brave face. Sent e-mails and made phone calls to family and friends about her uncertain circumstance assuring everyone that she was going to be alright and that God will take good care of her and that she needed our prayers. She even told me that she was not afraid of death, for God was with her
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Unrelenting, she was optimistic and positive that she will survive cancer. It was a most painful and overwhelming time
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In my heart I wanted her to grow old to a hundred plus years. The rest of her life will be filled with love, peace and happiness and laughter and surrounded by the ones who care for her so much
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But God had other plans.
56 years ago her journey started at 5:30 PM. It was dusk and heading towards the night.
On September 18, 2006, just three months after turning 56, her life's journey suddenly and unexpectedly came to an end at 5:30 in the morning. She had died. It was dawn. Soon the sun will rise. She lived her life the best that she could. She tried to be the best she could ever be.
Perhaps that was Godâs way of saying things will be all right. I find comfort, in the thought that she passed on peacefully in her sleep and that she was ready for God. I know that in Godâs perfect time, mama will wake up to a new morning in Godâs loving embrace
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It is upon writing about a summary of my mother's life that makes me realize even further how fleeting life is. How can such a wonderful, amazing and full life be written in a few short paragraphs just doesn't seem to do justice. My mother was more. She was the best Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, Best Friend and Confidant, Teacher, Adviser and above all, she was my hero
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She was the light at the end of the tunnel. She was the one that carried me and nurtured me and tended to my siblings, and me. She took care of our needs as children and even as an adults. She was a strong woman. Only 5 feet tall but to me she was the tallest and greatest person in my life
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In all of her struggles, It amazed me how she overcame tribulations with such flair and energy you cannot help but admire her.
I was so lucky. I had the best mom in the world. Her life taught me how to think, to feel and to be sensitive to others. She taught me to imagine, to believe, and above all she taught me how to love myself (with all my imperfections) and tap into my inner strength through God and to remember to never quit trying to make the most out of my life and to love others so God will be pleased
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No matter how old we are, losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know, but her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on like a legacy of love that will always be with the ones her life has touched
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All I now have are my memories of her. Memories of her voice, her smile, how she walked and talked and how she looked at me in certain warmhearted ways.
All that I have now are memories of the things she said to me - some funny, and most of them wise and precious.
All I have now are memories of what she did for me, and how happy and loved and complete she made me feel
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She is gone from me â physically.
Reality is I will never be able to hug her and kiss her again or hold her hand. We will never have phone conversations anymore, We will never go out to dinner and laugh together again. . . . .
Never ever will I forget you ma
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These precious memories that reside in my heart will light up my darkest days. Our mother is always with us. She's the whisper of the leaves as we walk down the street and the wind that caresses our face on sunny or rainy days. She is the warmth of sunshine in all the days of our lives.
Mother lives inside our laughter and keeps us sane when things go crazy. She's the place we came fromâ¦our first home. She's the guidance we follow with every step we take. She's our first love and our first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can separate us from her ... Not time ... not space ... not even death!
Her name was Digna. It means worthy. That name suited her perfectly, for she lived a an Incomparable, beautiful and truly worthy life. She will be mournfully missed but never forgotten by all whose lives she has touched. I love you mama - I love you forever.
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You were my mother, confidant and best friend, Somehow our characters still blend: Your wisdom and my will.
A glimpse, and you were there for me; I verbalized, you understood. I felt cared for, but also uninhibited; You loved, and I was obedient.
I'm fortunate that I was born To someone just like you; I love you forever. Though you are gone, You will now continue to live In all the Love and Happiness I feel all the days of my life
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If you would like to share words of comfort from your memories of my mother or anything as a tribute to Digna, Please send them to Edgar Lorenzo F. Nievera through e-mail :
We will gladly post them on this and other sites that pay affection to my mother's life
Love & Prayers,
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September 25, 2006
Dear everyone,
Today I wish to thank all of you who have given your time, love, concern, support & grief over my mother's death. I don't know how I could ever return all the good things that you've shared to us. I write my letter to you in tears, wish to express my true thankfulness for all your kindness. I hope God repays you for all the things youhave shared to us.
Most of all, I THANK GOD for giving me a good mother. For all the time we shared, all the way she has raised me from birth, and most of all her sacrifices in guiding us and giving us the best she could give all these time.
I would like to let you all know that she she has been a VERY GOOD MOTHER. Her love remains in my heart as long as I live. Now that her physical Presence has come to an end, I believe that she will always be in my memory as the BEST MOTHER I have known.
Finally, I wish to express my true thankfulness for all these things that you have extended to us - her sons Edgar, Rhey & John.
My Family Sincerely Thank you, Timothy Rhey F. Nievera
Remembering Mama
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What I remember most about her is her radiant smile and her lively eyes. Her eyes seemed to see through you that even if you wanted to keep something from her, she had that kind of magnetism that would make you open up to her. I have chatted with her several times and the last time I spoke to her was after her operation. A week before she passed away. Even then, she admitted to me that the chemo didn't seem to be working, you could hear from her voice that she was still full of life.
The other time that I chatted with her on line was last year when I was undecided of what I should do with my life. She was full of encouragement. That was the kind of person she was. She was so much in love with life and with everybody around her. She even told me then that she had met a very nice and lovable person. You could feel from her voice that she was really in love and that gave me the encouragement to forget the pain of losing love and to try to love again, as it was that time that I was having some love problems, remember?
I also asked her about menopause. She said not to worry about it and just to enjoy life as I don't have to worry about getting pregnant. She said that was the best part. I almost fell off my chair when she told me that. I was not really shocked but to hear it from her without any malice was something that I would really cherish. We laughed so loud that I was thankful that no one was near me as it was office hour when we were chatting.
Your Mom is a wonderful person! I can't remember seeing her sad. Even when she was angry, she still had those smiling eyes.
This is all for now and I'll try to recall some other things that are imbedded in my memory.
Take care my dear second cousin. I know that your Mom is looking down at you and smiling her radiant smile. She is at peace now, because she knows that she has a wonderful son like you who loves her a lot.
Didi
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hello there brotha...................
Ma'am Digna was an example of an old fashioned faithful mother and a wife. she was a love, respect, faith, hope and happiness. we are all very sad she passed away.... to much for my expectations..... i was hoping that i could still celebrate life with you and her and all the loved ones in life. the people around us that made us what we are today. the people that showed us how beautiful life is.... i am very sad.
but for now, keep on piling up those thoughts about you mom, mine will follow brotha, i swear. thank you very much for giving me the chance to be a part of the tribute. i thank you.
brotha, i gotta chill out now. check you soon again. take care & God bless you always. we miss you and we love you.
qryz dcny
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She was always smiling and so i thought all along that she has no problem, not an iota of stress in her bones, ika nga. perhaps if we gave ourselves a chance to know each other, we could have provided what we now call " group support" for each other. I was so thin that time i was at Pines because with two children then, i had to juggle teaching and house work but just like your mom, i hid all my heartaches and hardships from everyone. I was only 23 yrs old then, feeling so vulnerable and insecure.
Digna, as i knew her, exuded self-confidence, a lot of it in fact.It was written all over her friendly manner and ever-smiling face. She has that very pleasant demeanor that one envies and she carried herself with dignity, like a queen who knows her place in the sun. I truly liked her and always carried with me a very good portrait of her. That, in a nutshell, is how i've known your mom: Indeed, a truly remarkable person!
She has magnificently provided you with a legacy, a gift that not every mom can offer to her child. You, my friend, have been very blessed and i, too am equally blessed to have known you.
Much love n care, ( apros ken kudkod!) Mei
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Just read your tribute to your mom. Am so sorry for the loss of one of the most precious person we could ever have. However, everything that was given will be lost or taken away for nothing in this world is permanent......
Am so moved with how she lived her life.... the experiences she went through is really amzing.... that only persons with great courage, perseverance, concern for their love-ones, and faith could survive.......
Am glad to know your mother.......truly, it is not only when she was alive that she has touched and inspired lives, but throught her story, she remains to inspire other persons, like me, to move on......despite of the challenges we meet everyday........
I am pretty sure that we have learned something from her experiences, and stories.......for in this way, her legacy will continue.
Thanks for sharing me your mom's life story.
From your narrationof her story, I also came to know and understood you better......
Again, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Vicente Panagan Jr.
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Hi Edgar,
Hope you still remember me. I have read about your tribute to your mother. I was so touched about your story that I can't help but cry.Although I haven't met your mother,they have many similarities with my mom. Ialso lost my mom due to heart attack. ~ And I can relate to what you are going through right now. Same with me, that was the most painful part of my life. ~ Losing someone who has given her all for our family.By the way, my mom is also a teacher. They have many things in common, all the sacrifices and all the things that they went trough in life, very similar. I know how painful it is.... It's been years that I lost my mom but I still long for her...there are times that I wanted so much to see her and to hug her....It is really a great loss. I know that you are in agony right now.....please be strong...just always remember that our mothers are already in the hands of God....safe & sound...and peaceful.
Be strong friend...
Again, my sincerest sympathy. Daisy Jane Calub
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Your mom must be very happy and peacful whwerever she is now, because she has a good son in you,.a person who is living the life she has molded.
as i go over the tribute photo of you mom, u have made my love for my mom stronger, you made me realized that there are no more important person in this life than your mom, you migh have lost your friends but losing a mother is something else, and that is something that cannot be replaced by anyone.
Monching Leynes
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wednesday 1o/11/06 dear edgar, i just opened and read you email. my sincerest and most profound condolences are extended to you and your family. your mother was one awesome, great magnificent person and was a wonderfully excellent mother to her children. her spirit will always be with you she will be your guardian angel to protect you and keep you on the right track. god will always have your back, remain strong and steadfast be yourself and pursue your goals and make your destiny. thank you very much for sharing your grief.
your friend,
al galvez
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Dear Edgar,
My greater condolences for the lost of your loveable mother. Iâm truly so sorry for your loss but please if you have a moment please take your time and read the attached documentâ¦print it and post it next to your motherâs pictures as Iâm sure she will be having similar thoughts and wishes for her adorable kids. It brings happy tears and positive believes to my loves ones, I have lost in my journey of life and makes me feel stronger as I confident that they are resting in this glorious eternity and looking forward meeting them all again when death comes knocking my door.
My warmest hugs
Dino
Death is nothing at all... I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you... Whatever we were to each other that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of the shadow on it. Life means all that ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. Until we are reunited, you must live, love and continue along with your own special journey.
The adventure I am now on is the best of what is it come. Our mortal journey together is complete. You must make the rest of your mortal journey unique and filled with loving others. Do not waste time mourning. Our paths now are separate but the love we share will be the magnet to reunite us when it is your time to take the next step into this glorious eternity. All is well.
Author Unknown
Angels in America: Perestroika Written by Tony Kushner I want more life. I can't help myself. I do.
I've lived through such terrible times, and there are people who live much, much worse, but⦠you see them living anyway. Death usually has to take life away. I don't know if that's just the animal. I don't know if it's not braver to die. But I recognize the habit. The addiction to being alive. We live past hope. If I can find hope anywhere, that's it, that's the best I can do. It's so much not enough, so inadequate b u t . . . Bless me⦠I want more life.
This disease will be the end of many of us, but not nearly all. And the dead will be commemorated and will struggle on with the living and we are not going away. We won't die secret deaths any more. The world only spins forward. We will be citizens.
The time has come.
Bye now. You are fabulous creatures, each And every one.
More life. The great work begins.
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Ed,
Deeply in my heart just by viewing the pictures of your mom and your family, I cried because I was also touched by the kindness of your mom specially when you let us stay in you place in Baguio. Please Accept my humble condolence. I know we could never repay you guys with the help you extended to me and my family. Truly I was blessed by your testimony and I learned a lot from it! ~ I may never be the kind of friend you long for but You will never be forgotten specially your mom! I wish I could also call her mom because she's the kind of mother I would like to have! Very generouse, kind, humble, understanding and most of all loving not just to her family but other people as well. In behalf of my family and kids, Pls accept our humble condolence..... ~ Love and Prayers,
Steve and Family
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so sorry to hear that dearest friend..... she was also then also a mom to me during our high school days.... guess there is really time for everything. Napakasakit naman at di mo man lang nasamahan sa hospital. Anyway, wala ka na magagawa dun bestfriend, nalpasen diyay. How i wish i was there with you at this very moment.... Please be strong kabsat. Take care...
amor
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Hi insan edgar,
Might be wondering who am I. Am one your cousins here Baguio. Uncle Francis just called me this morming informing this sad moment of our lives when anti Digna passed away. Be strong my dear cousin. The last time I know was that, anti is teaching here City High. Ngayun ko lang alam na nasa abroad na pala sya. We have not seen each other yet. First cousin ko Rowena Dumaguing anak anti Teodora of Balsigan. I got your address from her.
I know you are stil have no time to reply this but never mind. MY family and my mother in Liwan, Tabuk are extending our deepest condolence to your family. will keep in touch later again.
Bye and take care and regards to anti Angeline once you meet her.
Its me,
Imelda Boteng-Casiwan
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Manong Edgar,
Our deepest condolence..I'm sorry we will not be able to be there to condole with you..I was so shocked upon knowing the news..But then, our prayers will be with you..We maybe absent physically, but we will be with you in spirit...
3 weeks ago, I emailed auntie..I didn't know that she's suffering from sickness..
Life is really short, we have to make the best out of it..Though it really hurts to accept the loss of a loved one, we have to move on...God has a plan to each and everyone.. We do not hold and own our life..our breath...it is God who owns everything...Maybe, God doesn't want auntie to suffer from physical pain...
Be strong and still, be of faith in God..
We will all be praying for her and your family as well. The whole family, cousins, relatives, friends and everyone will be joining you in prayers..
Please email back and update us with your plans there.
With prayers,
Weng
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salamat aperire. salamat minz
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Date: November 18, 2006 Subject: Just a simple thank you note from Steve's family to your wonderful mom
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Dearest Ading Edgar,
I am saddened by this news, and more so by the fact that we have not kept in touch with your Mama even as she actually lived here in San Diego. It is only now I found out that she's been here since 2001. How sad. Nevertheless, I do have fond memories of Auntie Digna, and she has always been the one to make sure everyone was taken care of, whenever we vacationed in Baguio as kids back in the day. I am encouraged by her accomplishments, and it will remain as a constant example of how one can persevere, despite the odds. I myself am going through tough times right now, and like your Mama, believe that I need to pull myself together and take care of my children's needs, forgetting my own. I wept unrelentlessly, reading how difficult life was, and how I can relate to this, now that I am a middle-aged woman in charge of my own family's needs.
Thank you for sharing a vignette of your Mom's life. Albeit very short life, was fulfilled and always in the service of others. The way she led her life is one to be emulated, especially among women who feel limited by their gender, or cowed to remain unheard. I will offer a prayer to Auntie tonight, and request a mass for the repose of her soul at our local church here in San Antonio, TX, St. Bridget Parish.
May God bless and keep you safe in the palm of his hand. Along with his palm is your Mama's hand, forever guiding you to the light where at the end of our lives, will shine brightly as it has for her.
Always, M. Julie
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Dear Edgar,
I'm one of the people to whom you sent a letter about your mother's passing because you found my name and address in her address book.
although I tried many times. Is it possible that it is different than the above? I would love to read it. I want to add my memories of her, if possible.
She called me her first friend in the U.S. I took her out for her first birthday in San Diego. We met when we both began teaching at a nursery school there. She was such a warm and caring person that it was easy to bond immediately with her. One of our duties was to care for the elementary school children who arrived at the facility after their school day. We were a team that enjoyed working together. After I left we stayed in touch and saw each other when we could until I moved to Arizona. Since I wasn't able to attend her wedding I gave her her bridal bouquet. I was overjoyed to see all the photos she sent me. She looked so very happy. My memories of her are ones that will be with me always as she was an incredibly special person. Our loss is heaven's gain.
This Month I had the opportunity to get away for an 11 day Vacation with Ron in Vancouver. It was my first time to visit that spectacular city. I had so much fun! I also experimented with my hair and found out I had more hair than I imagined! *chuckle*
Here's myself with cornrow braids. After a week, I just had to have it unbraided & when they undid them, "POOF!!!!" my hair went. It actually looked to me like afro hair and I just asked the stylist to make it look like that instead of cutting it plain short.
Vancouver, BC
Tuesday, August 01, 2006.
Big Hugs, & Much Love,
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Tuesday, August 01, 2006 Well after the hairstylist revised my suggestion about afro look, This is what she came up with. To me it looked so new! I've never seen myself with so much hair that it is actually fun! To think I was going to cut it really short minutes ago. Now I am glad I didn't. Oh! I am so Vain! I deserve it after nearly 2 years of not caring what I looked like!
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 01, 2006 Ron & I walked to this tower so I could have a look at Vancouver. I enjoyed looking at the city from above.
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 01, 2006 Inside the tower at the viewing area. Vancouver is so interesting
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 01, 2006 From inside the tower
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 Next day - went biking at Stanley Park! It was refreshing! lots of beautiful people just enjoying the summer. Loved watching people and the sights.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 Me and the Light House
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 Stanley Park. Biking was fun. Ron took this picture after we had an ice cream break.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 From left : David, Michael, Kerry (sitting) , Ron & Shawn. Photo taken after we had dinner out and just before we headed down to the bayto watch fireworks.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 edgar and ron getting along just fine thank you
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 down by the bay people were waiting for the fireworks display. It was very dark when i took this picture. I had to take this photo at slow shutter speed so details could come up instead of just darkness. I couldn't quite get itt right. my hands were just too unsteady. The pics I took with the tripod was not as interesting.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 I sat there looking up to the sky at this magnificent display of lighs for half an hourt. It was so beautiful with classical music playing in the background that it nearly made me cry. It was a good time to pray and be thankful to be alive.
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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 People watching the fireworks from their seaside apartments/condos
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 Next Day - Ron and I Take the Ferry to Vancouver Island. Here is Ron looking out from the ferry to the ocean along with other passengers
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 First stop after getting off the ferry - Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC. Such gorgeous place! Loved it! Too many tourists though. Everyone taking photos!!
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 Butchart Gardens - So Beautiful!!!
Here is their website: http://www.butchartgardens.com/
. . . . . . . Thursday, August 03, 2006 Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC Just another tourist today.
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 Butchart Gardens in Victoria BC
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 The City of Victoria, BC 2nd stop : Dinner by the Victoria Docking Area.
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Thursday, August 03, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
. . . . . . . Thursday, August 03, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
. . . . . . . Thursday, August 03, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 3rd Stop: Watch street performers by the bay. Just lovely. Just feels like today the world was specially made for me.
. . . . . . . Thursday, August 03, 2006 By the Parliament Building, City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Friday, August 04, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Next Day - Breakfast on an outdoor cafe.
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Friday, August 04, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The Wax Museum - They look like dead people.
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Friday, August 04, 2006 City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Parliament Building That morning with Bag Pipes and Trumpets playing. Wonderful sunny morning!
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Friday, August 04, 2006 Next : Get on the ferry and get Back to Vancouver. Bye bye Victoria & Vancouver Island! Here you see passengers enjoying the sun.
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Friday, August 04, 2006 We enjoyed staying by the view deck as the ferry crossed the ocean. Out there you do not feel as dizzy. Loved the breeze!!
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Friday, August 04, 2006 A Lady Looking out to the sea.
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Friday, August 04, 2006 The Deck
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Friday, August 04, 2006 We arrived in Vancouver around 10PM. Walked around awhile and rested for the evening. Another wonderful day.
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Saturday, August 05, 2006 Next Day - Instead of biking - we went walking all around Stanley Park. Great exercise. We needed to burn calories from all the food that we've been eating!. Here is a photo from when we started our walk by the Bay
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Saturday, August 05, 2006 Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
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Saturday, August 05, 2006 Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada (That's Vancouver City behind me)
. . . . . . . Saturday, August 05, 2006 English Bay, Vancouver City, Canada. Eric, Richard & Ron By the bay. People all over the city waiting for the fireworks display. THis will be the 2nd fireworks display that I will be seeing in this Vacation. By the time I took this picture, my feet were killing me. We walked 9 miles!
. . . . . . . Saturday, August 05, 2006 The Crowd by the sea. English Bay, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
. . . . . . . Sunday, August 06, 2006 Next Day - Gay Pride Parade. It was fun! Party Party everywhere. Vancouver City, BC, Canada
. . . . . . . Sunday, August 06, 2006 Vancouver City, BC, Canada. After the gay pride parade - had my picture taken with one of the parade entertainers
. . . . . . . Saturday, August 05, 2006 Edgar, Ron & Martin - sitting on a quiet city street eating take out chinese food. All the restaurants were packed with people. It was refreshing just sitting in the shade outside away from the crowd.
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 08, 2006 English Bay at night
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 08, 2006 English Bay, Vancouver BC, Canada
. . . . . . . Tuesday, August 08, 2006 English Bay, Vancouver BC, Canada. Sat by the bay and watched the reflection of city lights by the water. So beautiful! Oh! My life is brillant!
. . . . . . . Wednesday, August 09, 2006 Close to English Bay, Vancouver BC, Canada. 2:00 AM on the last evening of our stay in Vancouver. Tomorrow morning we will be on the road again - go visit Jay and Dennis in Chilliwack. Party (with Jay, Dennis, Mike, Ron and Kevin!!!) and Stay the night and leave the next day back to normal life. Kinda makes me sad. Vacation is coming to an end.
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Thursday, August 10, 2006 Chiliwack, BC, Canada. FRIENDS: (from left top row) Edgar, Ron, Michael, Kevin & The Hosts (seated) Dennis and Jay. We had a great party the night before. Ron and I didn't buy enough beer though. Hmmm. *chuckle* Thanks for a great party Dennis & Jay! It was fantastic!
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Thursday, August 10, 2006 Chiliwack, BC, Canada
Things to do today:
1. Leave by 2:30pm and Drive to Kimberley (11 hours). 2. Switch to "Get Back to Work" mode
I drove only 3 hours while Ron drove the rest of the way. Ron (with Mike) dropped me off in Kimberley at 2:30AM (I had to work right away) , and Ron still had to drive an Hour and 15 from there to Elko. We were all exhausted after. Back to reality.
. . . . . . . Thursday, August 10, 2006 Dog Saying bye bye
. . . . . . . Friday, August 11, 2006 On the road and back to the real world. It was an 11 hour++ drive. But we all had fun. Vacation is over. Now back to my old routine. Work Work Work.
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August 20, 2006 , 11:00 AM Fernie, BC, Canada. Today we went to hike Mount Fernie. We started at around 10:30 AM. Here you see from the left Michael, Ron and Dino taking a breather.
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August 20, 2006 1:29 PM Here you see Dino struggling (as we all were) to get up to the top.
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August 20, 2006 , 2:25 PM This was the view from the top of Mount Fernie.
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August 20, 2006 , 5:00 PM Midway going down Mount Fernie, I realized that I just have to take a shot portraying the hike. I had Ron look back at me to make it look like he was on his way up (but when this photo was taken we were actually on our way down the mountain)
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August 20, 2006, 5:04 PM I just had to have this picture taken. Right behind me is the town of Fernie. That is where Ron was born and where Michael's house is. Going down is hard on the legs. Got to keep my balance. Because the climb is steep, I just had to focus on the ground ahead of me to keep from getting shaky.
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August 20, 2006 at 6:43 PM Here is a picture of Ron ahead of me when we finally got closer to the base of the mountain. Here the mountain is no longer as steep as you can see, but I remember my legs were starting to buckle a bit. Those walking sticks do help when the legs are getting weaker. When we got to the bottom where we started off we were all so happy! It was a whole day's hike. Then we went for a beer, Dropped Mike and Dino off and drove back to Elko. What a great day off! Thank you God!
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