A lot of personal things of course also happened last year and the first few months of this year. I am a working woman and a friend to my office mates yet I am still a daughter to my parents, a sister to my siblings, a friend to my grade school, high school and college friends, a neighbor and a relative.

Last August 16, 2006, I am particularly a grieving niece. I saw my Auntie Ditch during her last few heartbeats at the hospital. I was a witness to her passing away. Every single detail of that morning and all the people in that room who were crying with me are still clear in my mind and very much unforgettable.

It has been more than a year since she died yet I am not totally convinced that I was able to say what I was supposed to say to honor her. I’ve always said that she’s been a second mother to me and my siblings. When my parents were both out of Manila, she was there for all of us—she cooked for us and she’d been a real mother for reprimanding us when we were doing things  not the right way.

Auntie Ditch is best known for her delicious meals. I looked and I will always look up to her when it comes to cooking. She patiently taught my young mind how to cook and she taught me all the techniques she knew. I’ve got the best ingredient for delicious cooking because of her and I thank her for that.

We all missed you Auntie Ditch and we will never ever forget you. We are happy that you have peace now with Inang and Ron-ron and all the rest we all love.