By KATHLEEN T. OKUBO
www.nordis.net

Last Tuesday, Cecile C. Afable, the oldest and last living sibling of my father (the late Bernardo C. Okubo), sneaked out on us at 90+ years old. Though she has been warning us for sometime before this that her time was nearing, I guess we just refused to hear it. So what do you call that? Being warned and still getting surprised. If I asked her that question on an ordinary day she would return with a stern, “Obett mo!”

I am sure she feels the great sadness of loss deep in us now but what can you say when a mother figure like her looks at you, gives you that warm smile of sympathy with a naughty glimmer in the corner of her eye and says, “ta em! Am happier here!”

By the tradition of the Ibaloi, being the latest of them to take the journey, her small frame now carries all the pasalubong, bilin, etc., sent to mothers, fathers, brothers, cousins, aunties, uncles, grandpas and grandmas who shall meet her at the Gate. Amen.

As we, who are left behind shall try to trace her footsteps and pray she does rest in peace. To the rest of us…, thank you very much for all the help and for simply being there to ease the heart wrenching transition and change.

The wake is at her home at #84 P. Burgos St., Baguio City, and interment is scheduled shortly past noon this Wednesday, the 20th of June at the Baguio cemetery. # nordis.net