Lola Alao
Laura Herrera Bailado. That's my lola, source of childhood terrors (she used to tell me that she would take my mom back to her house if I did not stop making 'pabuyag'), delicious warm breakfasts, and sweet nighttime lullabyes. She is now 94 years old, frail and weak, but she still manages to sing a song or two while clapping her hands every day. Every single day.
My lola is one strong woman. She was notorious for making my aunts and uncles climb into buri sacks as punishment. She would hang the sacks over the stove and allow the smoke to float over the sacks... pretty harsh. Today that would get someone thrown in jail. But back then, people were hanging their children over their stoves ALL THE TIME (I hope). It must have worked because today said aunts and uncles are all law-abiding citizens. And they all love her.
One of my regrets is that I don't get to see her as much as I should. I went back to her house last Christmas and she didn't recognize me. I can count the good days when things are clear for her, and she recognizes that I'm one of her grandchildren, at the least.
It is not very often that I make a post about my lola, and the two other 'older' people in my life. But its a new year, and I did not want to start the year ranting about myself, my resolutions, my wishes for the future, blah blah blah. So I'm doing a post about my lola instead, whom I love very much. Happy New Year, Lola.
My lola is one strong woman. She was notorious for making my aunts and uncles climb into buri sacks as punishment. She would hang the sacks over the stove and allow the smoke to float over the sacks... pretty harsh. Today that would get someone thrown in jail. But back then, people were hanging their children over their stoves ALL THE TIME (I hope). It must have worked because today said aunts and uncles are all law-abiding citizens. And they all love her.
One of my regrets is that I don't get to see her as much as I should. I went back to her house last Christmas and she didn't recognize me. I can count the good days when things are clear for her, and she recognizes that I'm one of her grandchildren, at the least.
It is not very often that I make a post about my lola, and the two other 'older' people in my life. But its a new year, and I did not want to start the year ranting about myself, my resolutions, my wishes for the future, blah blah blah. So I'm doing a post about my lola instead, whom I love very much. Happy New Year, Lola.
4 Comentarios
Hello Joselle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment about my malunggay miracle at the negros chronicle.
I also have a chance to read your blog. I enjoy it very much. And I have Barney's picture with my daughter too, one time they were at kokoo's nest.
I like the way you write and talk about your lola. I remember my own lola and I can fully relate with what you are talking about.
I will be one of your fans in your blog.
You have a great sense of humor too.
God bless,
Muffet Villegas
@Muffet Villegas
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog. I read your blog also, will link it up! You probably do not know this but I know Joaquin, we took classes in Biology together (I was a Bio major). How is he? I will continue reading your blogs and your column on NC. They are very enjoyable and informative.
haha. karelate ko sel. gisulod pud kog sako sauna haha guess kung knsa ni. :D
ReplyDelete@anonymous: hmmm! you are starting my day off with a puzzle. roxy? ate hazel? isa pa kay maghuna-huna sa ko ug mga tawo nga buluyagun katong bata pa cla haha :P
ReplyDeleteSay hello! Coffee, perhaps? :)