Our Relatives Visited; Some have Arrived from Far Distances

Yesterday, our closest relative here in Ipil, auntie Rosmin, with her son and our Querubin relatives in Sta. Clara Naga, visited us. Jonathan, Dyan's husband and their children arrived from Cebu. Earlier this day, from Margusatubig, Neneng, our eldest' wife with AJ their youngest came home. The one and only brother of papang, uncle Henie with his wife auntie Malou came home this afternoon from Lapuyan. Later, all the way from GenSan, Auntie Delsa, mamang's aunt and auntie Nida, my mother's younger sister followed. They were in the same bus with our first cousin Jun-jun, who also arrived this afternoon from Pagadian. Just this time of writing, my first cousins Mac-mac, Mayan and Ukong came home, braving the heavy downpour. We have been informed that more of our relatives will be coming. My sister Daday's mother-in-law is also here.

Their arrival and visits brought consolation to our family. They offered listening ears to the experiences we went through our father's death. The warmth of thoughts, touch and embrace truly consoles us. Traveling entails sacrifice not only of time and money but also of one's health, as it is energy-requiring. But they still come and mourn with us. Life this time is truly difficult but with our family's relatives around, there are reasons to be stronger. Their presence signifies the helping hand of God, which constantly answers all our needs. There is nothing to worry what might come ahead of us for our family is not alone in our grief. As it is written, "the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs." (Ps. 145) Praise be the Lord's name forever. Amen.