Sawasdee ka! Sa-Bai-Dee Mhai? 🤗😍 Back at it again with another blog!
Have you ever feel the emptiness of missing someone deeply, while knowing they are watching over us from heaven?
This blog is a tribute to the enduring memory of my great-grandparents, who I hold close to my heart, feeling their presence watching over us from the heavens above. Feeling their absence extra today, I decided to pen a blog in remembrance with them. I hold the memories I shared with my loved ones during their time in this world.
I never had a chance to make memories with my grandfather, Lolo Pedong, as he passed away before I was born. However, I cherish the stories I have heard about the fond moments he shared with my family and relatives, holding onto them dearly until today.
I often find myself wishing I had my own memories with him, witnessing firsthand how he disciplined his children. It's a well-known fact that parents in their era were strict when it came to giving discipline in their children.
I was fortunate to have my Lola Tinang with me as I grew up. She was a loving grandmother, and we all have special memories of her. She passed away when I was in college, having lived a beautiful life until she was 97.
Now, allow me to lead you to the location where my great-grandparents' most cherished memories were made.
A glimpse into the ancestral home of the Arnoco family. 😍
This house belonged to Juliana Arnoco and Pedro Arnoco Sr., who raised 10 children here, one of whom is my grandmother. This house was constructed on October 26, 1967. If you were to observe the house now, you would notice its aging condition, with gradual deterioration.
Even though it shows signs of age, we've chosen not to demolish it, as the memories and significance we've attached to it exceed any other considerations.
I'll give you a tour and recount the memories created in my great-grandparents' house.
NOTE: Please bear with me as the following pictures are old and disorganized.
As you enter into the house, As you step into the house, you're welcomed by the living area, spacious and comfortable . The interior seamlessly blends modern elements with vintage charm, creating a captivating ambiance. The windows, crafted from sturdy wood, continue to perform effectively even today. The sofa chair remains in place and is still comfortable to sit on. The floor tiles is giving you an antique vibe, complementing the overall design of the living area. This area of the house holds the cherished memories of the family, where they gathered during special occasions and gatherings. My grandmother often recounted stories of their life and experiences here.
Beside to the front door, you'll notice stairs leading to the second floor crafted from high-quality wood. The second floor is totally not safe anymore. The flooring is unstable, and the walls of the rooms are no longer intact. Previously, there was a cozy living area on the second floor, along with three bedrooms for sleeping. There is also a balcony in the upper floor which I love during my childhood days.
Similar to many other grandparents, my Lola Tinang was deeply religious. I recall how we used to join her in praying the rosary at night before bedtime. These are a few of the religious wall frames that belonged to my Lola. We've kept them up until now because we understand their significance to her. If they're important to her, they are also important to us too.
This is where the dining area of the house. I can clearly recall the joy we felt when my Lola prepared meals for us. Whenever we visited our province, she always cooked delicious meals. I long for the laughter we used to share while dining. It's saddening to see this area of the house so quiet and empty now. I understand that joyful moments will eventually become cherished memories, but the pain remains when remembering the person with whom you shared those experiences.
In the dining area, there are also two rooms. One of them is where my Lola stayed after my Lolo Pedong passed away. She opted to stay in the downstairs room due to her knee pain, as using the stairs was difficult for her. Additionally, its proximity to the dining area and kitchen made it easily accessible for her. The other room is designated for the Arnoco brothers. They've left their mark on the floor by engraving their names, which adds a cute and amusing touch. I used to sleep here with my other cousins.
This is my Lola's old cabinet where she stored all her collected plates and kitchen items. It's still here, though some of the items that used to be inside are now missing. It's comforting to see the same things you remember from childhood still present today. Sometimes, memories flood back when you encounter certain items associated with happy moments.
One of the most cherished memories I have with my Lola is in the kitchen area. I can vividly remember her old water jar, "The Banga," where we used to store drinking water. It effectively preserved the water's cold temperature. It is so refreshing and natural!
I used to observe my Lola chopping wood and assist her in arranging it in the kitchen. Having fun while my Lola cooked. Life back then was simple and enjoyable.
The kitchen that we used to love is now old and damaged. My Lola's once beautiful kitchen now sits abandoned and unattractive.
Perhaps if our great-grandparents were still with us today, we would be happier and have many new experiences we'd want to share with them. With the world evolving, we'd wish for them to experience these changes too.
I understand that nothing in this world is permanent. We're merely borrowing this life, and eventually, we'll depart from this world to reach another paradise, heaven. We'll forever be thankful for the experiences we shared with our late loved ones and will cherish those memories for the remainder of our lives.
A few memorable photos with my Lola Tinang, that is now engrave in our hearts.
To our great-grandparents who are now in heaven, watching over us with happiness, we express our gratitude for all the happy moments we shared and the life lessons you gave to us. We miss you dearly, and you remain forever in our hearts! Please continue to guide us from above. We love you always!
I apologize if this blog comes across as overly dramatic, but I believe memories like these are worth sharing because I know many people can relate.
Khop khun kha for reading and have a good day!
Up to my next blog! Until then, Take care!😍