SLEEP ON IT: Limns

Limns is a verb that means to depict or describe as per dictionary definition.

Since reunion as per dictionary entry, and I quote, is an instance of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation.

The mini family reunion of The Dreyfus Clan last 25th at Kapehan ni Juan, Bago City brought members of our extended family in a close bond field with enthusiasm, exchange of ideas, greetings, introductions, laughters, reminiscings, and the likes with showers of queries and abundance of food to partake.

We are The Descendants of Carlos Blum Dreyfus, French-German Jew who was married to Elisa Sarmiento Araneta, a daughter of Gen. Juan Anacleto Torres Araneta.

The conversation seemed to have no endings for the unlimited topics just pop out from one member to the next. Even the rain, did not hinder the milling around as one hopped from table to table for some updates cousins, nephews, nieces and grandkids desire to listen to. The presence of Tita Ping and Tito Nani with their two grandkids added color to our gathering as the majority was composed of cousins in our generation plus our immediate members who were there for a great number of our relatives could not make it!

The History of our clan could be one that speaks of abundance, yet not all are blessed with the joys of prosperity. For me, it does not matter at all if my pocket is not full. What matters most is the brilliance that runs through my veins, (modesty aside), and that which I Stand Proud! SALUD to our Lineage!

For the nth time, may I say that no one is perfect even if one’s name is Perfecto! These imperfections more often than not become the rift which shatters relationships. In moments of disagreement, one who does not put aside the wails of the past cannot control the mouth from the bla bla and bla just to throw spears of anger and of hatred to the other party innorder to hurt or maybe to cover up guilt! To accept ones flaws and misdemeanors is truly difficult if pride is worn like a necklace to adorn the neck!

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Grief is the phase in my life that surely will stay up to my last breath! Losing both my sons has left only one third of my life which is for my daughter, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and my partner. Along with the coming of each, dusk, the rain plays an enormous portion of the cloud of sorrow fate has allocated to me. Losing one’s offsprings is a battle one will never ever win over! This is one state which I will not wish for anyone even for my enemies or opponents for no amount of strength of character one has amassed for himself, the pain that goes with the loss is insurmountable especially for a mother!

To be visited is heavenly! Being remembered by those who cherish our existence sparks in us a warmth that moistens our tear duct and leaves our hearts in the state of great delight!

Visiting the sick brings hope to the one who is fastened to the bed by the ailment that befalls the sufferer.

Upon seeing us, my cousin and I, at the doorway of her bedroom, our aunt who considered us as her bestfriends lit up while her smile showed her radiance despite her condition. Yes, she maybe our Tita, yet the camaraderie we had in the past was a bond worthy to be practiced that relationships will always be glued with appreciation and love. From her, what we only hear was guidance in a very compassionate manner.

Our visit brought us back to our fun filled excursions in the past, however, when it was time to leave, saying ‘adieu’ was the hardest part! I pray that we may be blessed to see her once more in a happier state when our Maker grants us with His healing hand for Tita’s fast recovery. God be with you, Tita bff Ramona!

May God hear our prayers for the healing of Tito Clem, too!

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If there is a beginning, of course, there is an end! Seeing a social media post of the demolition of the Ma-ao Sugar Central’s two remaining chimneys is so nostalgic to me and surely to other former residents who have enjoyed the unique close community ties we once lived there at the milling grounds. It was those times when one almost knew each other. It was those times when our parents were employed at the mill and benefited free of housing, of lighting and of water services. It was those times in my teens when walking down the streets of the mill even at nights did not put a scare nor a harm as guards were at their posts and the residents themselves were aware of who was who and who was the offsprings of who! Oh! My! Truly the history of the mill leaves a magnitude of sighs with a touch of gratitude for The Shelter The Administration of The Mill spared to our families who were privileged to have joined The Milling Years!
SALUD!

High School Spanish Class with the late Rev.Fr. Vicente Montinola, OLPA Director then, left me with a few notes. One of which is an apt quote for the goodbyes we bid in losing things or in the hardships before the achievement of goals and that is: ‘No hay rosas sin espinas’! There is no rose without a thorn!

Difficult it may seem, nevertheless, the joys the go with the fulfillment of dreams are beyond words. We may not have in possession of our treasured items any longer, however; the happiness they spared in the past cannot be traded with anything. Even money could not equal their significance!

May Our Maker hear our prayers for mercy that our lives will be of health and of safety!’ Til next issue… SHALOM!*