Back when I was younger, whenever it was Christmas, I don't usually think of Santa Claus or Noche Buena. What gets me excited is the number of presents Tita Beth will be giving me that year. It was usually 3 gifts and we usually get to open them close to New Year since the package arrives late. Seriously though, Tita Beth is like a 2nd mother to me, although she tops my mom when it comes to nagging me to wake up early or move faster or eat breakfast. That is why, I was glad that when I began to work, I did not have to wake up to eat breakfast early. That was when the early morning "Get up Get up!" calls ended.
Tita Beth taught me a lot of firsts too. She gave me my first "serious" books. Those were the 2 Hardy Boys. I remember her message in one of the books saying that she was proud that I started getting into reading and I should continue to do so. Of course, that was after the 4 Disney story books she sent which were really more of pictures rather than for reading. She taught me how to ride a jeep in Manila as well as taught me how to take the MRT when it first opened. She drove 5 hours++ from Los Banos to Mandaluyong for me when I moved to UPD from UPLB for a overrun bedding and a plastic pail that looked like it was at the end of its life. I really appreciated the help.
There are a lot of things I will definitely miss about Tita Beth. Her generosity and eagerness to help. Her kindness and helpfulness. Her discipline and being very hardworking. I mean, I realize that she did not get to where she is now in here life from just natural smarts and intelligence. She worked hard every day and was very disciplined. She taught me a lot of that when I stayed over her place during my internship in high school and during my first months of work.
Truth be told, Tita Beth has affected us all in more ways than one. I could have written a 12 page essay on each and every little thing that Tita Beth taught and inspired me but I guess an email that long would probably be hard to read.
Tita, I know that it’s hard not to feel resentful at times when being pushed a lot but know that we understand and realize that it’s not just that you are naturally bossy (hehehe…) but rather that you do see the whole picture; that you think of other people more than your self. That makes you special and that’s what would make me miss you most of all. A lot of my personal decisions in life was inspired and somehow affected by you and I believe that being able to do what I do now has been because of the way you live your life.
Tita, thank you for just being who you are. In so many ways, it makes all of us want to be more like you. I’ll miss you and I’ll see you when I see you. J God bless!
