mommy dearest

(listen to one of dad & mom's theme songs)

Aida Senense-Andres
(7 Feb 1940 - 23 Aug 2001)

The 'Mommy' to husband Gene and children Dina, Nene, Winwin. She was 'Manang Aids' to her 5 younger siblings but 'Mommy Aids' to all their children and their children's children. She was 'Aida', 'Aidz', 'Tita Aida', 'Nana Aida' to the Andres clan. She was 'Mommy Andres', 'Mommy Groovy', 'Mother', 'Mommy Dearest' to all her children's friends, and plain 'Mrs. Andres' or 'Ma'am Andres' to her husband's colleagues. Today marks her 5th year since she left this mortal life to be with her Creator but we know in our hearts she is forever here with us no matter where we are.

We love and truly miss you, Mommy!

being away from home when it happened and not able to get a flight immediately, i was in a bit of a time warp and thankfully friends and family kept me through the waiting and anticipation... below are messages which helped me deal with my grief thousands of miles away...



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From: "DINA ANDRES"
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2001 2:15 PM
Subject: 40th day

hi win! are you sure you will be allowed to come back home for this 40th day of mom? if so, please make sure that we have the candles (plenty) that you described. is it also possible for you to bring cut flowers again (the orchids you brought during the wake is ok if ever), that can last until at least a week? if so, please do. thanks and answer me soon.

regards, ate dina

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From: 'Joel S. Andres'
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 5:29 PM
Subject: RE: i dreamt of mommy last nite...

Win,

Isa lang ang ibig sabihin daw nyan.....uwi ka na dito at walang taga-timpla ng
kape ang Tito Gene! See you...siguraduhin mong uuwi ka sa 30th ha!

Joel

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From: 'Joel S. Andres'
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 12:09 PM
Subject: RE: pahabol pa...

Eto pa pala......OK yung 9th day sayang wala ka na, yung mga chorus line singers e full force...siguro tawa ng tawa ang Tita Aida kapag kinakantahan na siya nung mga golden girls ng SSS parish!!! OK naman at daming food.....nakaka-miss lang talaga ang Tita Aida sa mga occassions at sa lahat ng handaan nandun siya lagi....eto ngang birthday ni Joshua, sa bahay daw kayo lahat matutulog ng October 5 at home made kse ang balloons, kaya lahat daw tayo ang mag-hi-hi-hip!!! anwyay, sige, tawagan mo lang si Dominic before 30th ng ma-arrange natin ulit ang iyong nalalapit na pagdating!!! sige at dito nalang cousin, see you end of the month.....

Joel

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From: "Stewart Houten"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2001 1:14 AM
Subject: Some thoughts !

Hey Winwin - how are you doing? I hope you are managing to cope with your grief. It is a very sad time for you and I hope that you have the strength to endure all. This is just a brief note to let you know that I'm thinking of you.

(((big hug))) - I know you are hurting. And I'm sure you will miss your mother deeply and always. But I fully believe that parents know children make mistakes and are eternally ready to forgive them. That is the parent/child dynamic and even though it changes form it stays with us throughout life. Parents implicitly understand and are always ready to forgive us. That's their job. So please try not to be so hard on yourself.

You have had your reasons for making the decisions you have made. You didn't stay away from home because of malace. Your mum would have known that you cared and understood that you couldn't be there. Sadly hindsight can be destructive in these situations. You must try to remember that your decisions were made for what you thought was the best. You can do no more. As time passes the context of the past becomes distorted and we begin to rewrite our own history. I personally subscribe to the notion that we are without free will. Given the opportunity to make the same decisions with ALL the information you had at the time, you could only have done what you did. And that was what you thought was best.

I can only imagine what you are dealing with - I've never yet been through that experience - but please try to hang in there. You may feel like you're in limbo now but that won't last forever. Perhaps try to focus on the good times and any positive thoughts. I know this is sounding flakey and I'm feeling uncomfortable with that, but try to stay away from your possible mistakes and where you think you went wrong. It can't help right now. One day when you are feeling stronger you can do that, but for right now simply grieving for your mother is enough.

I would love to know how you are. Please write if you have the time. I have news for you too.

Take care and tough it out mate,

Love Stewart
UK

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From: "Litz Senense"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 10:09 PM
Subject: RE: i dreamt of mommy last nite...


Dear Winwin,

Thats okay. It's good you dreamt of her. It means she is still around, and thats a good sign. She is looking after you.

Yes, i did my 9 days novena, and I still keep on talking to her. I feel good when I looked at her, i mean our pictures and I feel good knowing that she can see me and i am sure she is happy with your lola & uncle George.

By the way when is the 40th day? will you please let me know when so i can also offer mass on that day.

And now you are back to normal life and when you said 30th, do you mean to say you are going back home for the 40th day rites or what?

Win, got a friend here and they are going to Thailand to get their adopted daughter sometime in October. They might come to see you. I will let you know if they have time for you to meet.

Catch up later and take care yourself okay. Still smoking? i hope not. SMILE.......

Love ya.......

Auntie Mely
Adelaide, Aus

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From: " "DORIS DIA""
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 4:34 AM
Subject: just to say hello!

hello there, how are you doing ? i hope everything is doing fine with you. i know its hard to let go, but i think its the best thing that you can do. just think about the happy memories that we all had with her, i know that she herself wanted that to happen cuz, she would not like to suffer and so with you guys, especially your dad. so dont feel too bad. although regrets are always at the end, and if only we could turn back the clock , then definitely we will not do the things that we have been doing. let's just pray for her soul in peace. okey.

till here and hear from you soon. take it easy. take it one day at a time. just think of the positive side of life than being negative about it. it will make your life easier. i know you are getting stressed-out. but think of it this way, "STRESS IS ALREADY A PART OF OUR DAY TO DAY LIFE", how to cope with it is to take it one day at a time. just do what you can do for that moment, then if you could still do more then do it, in you pace. one thing that you have to always include in your daily routine is PRAYERS. PRAY BEFORE YOU WILL EVEN START YOUR DAY, ASK HIM FOR HIS GUIDANCE TO DO YOUR JOB FOR THE DAY. AND AT THE END OF THE DAY, THANK HIM FOR THE WONDERFUL DAY, THANK HIM FOR HIS GUIDANCE AND BLESSINGS. and you will see that HE will always be there for you..........

take care okey.........

love auntie dolet
Union City, California

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From: Alicia W. Smith
To: Winwin S. Andres
Cc: Carolyn Shields
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 1:51 AM
Subject: RE: dear friends...

Dear Winwin -- I was so sorry to see this note. Both Carolyn and I have experienced the loss of a parent and it is indeed very hard to endure. I can only tell you that with the passage of time I hope you will find you probably have a very rich trove of memories.

In the meantime I hope you can take solace from the fact that you obviously brought a smile to your mothers face many many times throughout her life. And that's what it's really all about, don't you think? You, your mother, and your father are in our prayers.

Big hugs to you.

Alicia
Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) for Habitat for Humanity, USA

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From: "Aiman"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 8:32 PM
Subject: Re: mommy...

dear winwin
very sorry about your mommy, i'm sure it's a very sad time for you. but then i know you are very strong you will make it ok. I was thinking where you are right now, I did call you today, but your room line was busy as ever, any way call me
a s a p

A Z
egypt

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From: laura
To: Winwin S. Andres
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 12:45 PM
Subject: Many prayers and thoughts sent your way Winwin

Winwin..
At times like these....I can not find words sensitive enough, it seems... that truly express how my heart and prayers go out to you! Having lost both my parents...my mother just this past year. I suffer with you in OUR losses...but send a thought of great comfort... We have to remember that WE are the ones who regret...and suffer in our thoughts as we think...what I could have done...what i should have done..... and how unfair it is in life that we cannot go back and make up for our past forgetfullness. But in out regret we need to remember...that LIFE is just this: a journey we go through. A pathway of learning and with that learning, REGRET is a big part. I so wish you healing....and send love and prayers across the miles Winwin. Know that you are in my thoughts...look forward and remember to only look back without regret...Your mom loved you...and it shows in everything you do!! know I am thinking of you at this most difficult time...

*Laura*
Denmark

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From: Pongco, Andy
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2001 12:03 AM
Subject: RE: dear friends...

Dear Winwin,

Sorry to hear about your Mom. We were somehow in the same boat as my mother in law passed away too last 17 August. No matter what they say about mothers in law, mine was one of the best.

Will be leaving for SFO/LAX end of November to be with my Mom for her birthday. Your message came at a time when I have been feeling so guilty for not having seen her for some time.

Now look after your Father. We are doing the same with my Father in law as we stay in the same house. Again my condolences.

Andy
Hotel Intercontinental Manila

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From: Dioko-Cariaso, Leslie
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 11:03 AM
Subject: RE: dear friends...

dearest winwin!

i'm so so sorry to hear about your mom! i've been on maternity leave and was only able to get the details now after i read both your emails re your mom.

i feel for you win! and i know how you feel, having lost my mom too in 1991. pls. be assured of our prayers and support from here! will be writing you more later okay. just have to go to a meeting right now. PLS. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Also assure you dad, the rest of the family, Ate Dina, of our prayers!

love always,
leslie
Intel (Phils.)

pls. make sure you get some rest now okay.

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From: T S
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 10:17 AM
Subject: Sympathies

I am writing to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathies. Your email is the first I have heard of this news. A little over a week ago, I had some very strong thoughts about you - perhaps this was why.

There are no magic words to take away your pain. And I know you are filled with the would haves, should haves, could haves. In reading your mail, something very strong filled my heart. And that is the lesson you talked about - the one for how things will be with your father. This perhaps is a greater gift and honor to your mom than you realize. As a mother, we love our children unconditionally, for the mere sake of loving them and expecting nothing in return. We have happy hearts when our children have joy, and saddened ones when they have sorrow. And when we see our children come through a life's painful experience with a lesson learned, there is great warmth that comes to us. We do not wish to see our children struggle, but also know that life gives many good and sad times, and each lesson makes our children the strong, wonderful people they are.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Terri
USA

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From: Glecie TAN
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 8:36 AM
Subject: Re: dear friends...

Dear Winwin,

I'm sorry... honestly... I don't know... thanks for the e-mail. I've lost my filofax containing all tel nos. and addresses; our computer was transferred to my kuya glovie's house and under repair ... We could not e-mail personal matters here in mandarin due to restrictions since our groupwise keeps on crashing. I wish I could be with you last Aug 26. If I only got the e-mail on time. Don't worry, your mother is with the Lord now.

We will pray for you and your family. I' ll keep in touch asap.

God bless you and miss you...

in Christ,
Glecie
Mandarin Oriental Manila

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From: Beth Surban
To: Winwin S. Andres
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 7:11 AM
Subject: dear friends...

Dear Winwin,
Hope all is well. Got some news from Ate Nida who also got the chance to see you and visit Mommy at the wake. I pray for Dad's strength...it must be really hard for him. They are like my parents too...I really feel bad that I did not see them last year when I went home. I also pray for you three (like my sisters) for strength and to always remember that Mommy (although sorely missed) is in good hands now and at peace.

I miss Tatay and get that heartache each time I think about him. I turn around and pray...trust that God is taking care of him. Take a deep breath each time you feel the heartache - and move on...because that's what they would like us to do.

I will try and contact Dad and Ate Dins when I get home in January. Perhaps we can get together or see each other even just for a short time while I'm visiting.

You take care of yourself and yes, make sure you spend the best, quality time with your Dad as much as you can. Stay in touch and we're always here if you need a friend to talk to. We love you.

God bless,
Beth (Gerry, Paolo & Kevin)
San Francisco, Cali

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From: bawgjc
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 4:58 AM
Subject: I'm Sorry...

WINWIN

MY DEAR I'M SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM.YES YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A PARENT IS GOING TO LEAVE YOU AND IT IS VERY HARD TO ACCEPT EVEN THOUGH WE KNOW THEY HAVE GONE TO A BETTER PLACE AND YES SHE IS WATCHING YOU MY DEAR ALWAYS. YOUR LETTER LEFT SUCH AN IMPRINT ON ME I HOPE IT DOES ON MY CHILDREN AS I SENT IT TO MY SONS WHOM I GUESS THINK MOM WILL BE HERE FOREVER. MY DEAR LOOK AT THE SKY AND SEE THAT BRIGHT STAR THAT IS YOUR MOM LOOKING DOWN AT YOU AND WINKING SAYING I LOVE YOU MY DEAR CHILD. I LOST MY LAST PARENT MY DADDY IN 1992 AND I MISS HIM SO VERY MUCH AS I HAD HIM SO LONG AND TALKED TO HIM EVERY DAY AND SAW HIM SO MUCH. SO MY DEAR ONWARD WE GO WITH THE LORD'S HELP AND YOUR IN MY PRAYERS SWEET CHILD.

LOVE & HUGS, BARB
USA

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From: Amar V.Mungcal
To: Winwin S. Andres
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 6:20 PM
Subject: Re: Your mom

Subject: Mommies

When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you. You thanked her by crying all night long.
When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk. You thanked her by running away when she called.
When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love. You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.
When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons. You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.
When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays. You thanked her by plopping into the nearest pile of mud
When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school. You thanked her by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!"
When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball. You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door neighbor's window.
When you were 8 years old, she handed you an ice cream. You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.
When you were 9 years old, she paid for piano lessons. You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.
When you were 10 years old she drove you all day, from soccer to gymnastics to one birthday party after another. You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.
When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies. You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.
When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows. You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.
When you were 13, she suggested a haircut that was becoming. You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.
When you were 14, she paid for a month away at summer camp. You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.
When you were 15, she came home from work, looking for a hug. You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.
When you were 16, she taught you how to drive her car. You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.
When you were 17, she was expecting an important call. You thanked her by being on the phone all night.
When you were 18, she cried at your high school graduation. You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.
When you were 19, she paid for your college tuition, drove you to campus, carried your bags. You thanked her by saying good-bye outside the dorm so you wouldn't be embarrassed in front of your friends.
When you were 20, she asked whether you were seeing anyone. You thanked her by saying, "It's none of your business."
When you were 21, she suggested certain careers for your future. You thanked her by saying, "I don't want to be like you."
When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation. You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.
When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment. You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.
When you were 24, she met your fiancee and asked about your plans for the future. You thanked her by glaring and growling, "Muuhh-there, please!"
When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and told you how deeply she loved you. You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.
When you were 30, she called with some advice on the baby. You thanked her by telling her, "Things are different now."
When you were 40, she called to remind you of a relative's birthday. You thanked her by saying you were "really busy right now."
When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her. You thanked her by reading about the burden parents become to their children.

And then, one day, she quietly died. And everything you never did came crashing down like thunder.

YOUR MOMS - IF THEY'RE STILL AROUND, NEVER FORGET TO LOVE THEM MORE THAN EVER..AND IF THEY'RE NOT, REMEMBER THEIR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND PASS IT ON...

Amar
Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Th

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From : "Flora N. Simard"
To : 'Winwin S. Andres'
Date : Fri, 31 Aug 2001 05:25:58 +0000

Dear Win,

I just emailed you to your work address and a few minutes later an auto reply came. I guess you were able to book a flight to Manila. Ron and I feel very sad about the passing of Manang Aidz. Dolette shared your email to me. I am pretty sure Manang Aidz knew how you feel about her. I am not asking how you are emotionally, but how are you in your job and life in thailand? I did not know you left the country until Dolette mentioned it when she called me about Manang Aidz. I will surely miss her. She was a friend, my confidant, a shoulder to lean on, and I can go on! I know how she cared about Manong Gene, you, Nene, and Dina. She is resting now! I find comfort knowing everyone is helping the family especially Manong Gene. My heart goes to you, Nene, Dina, and Manong Gene. May Manang Aidz soul rest in peace!

It is late summer here in California but still very hot. I could not wait for fall when the weather will be better. I hope you can come to visit us someday!

You all take care! My warmest regards!

Love,
Bing
San Diego, Cali

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From: "Toni Pascua"
To: "Win-Win Andres"
Subject: Re: i'll need your prayers...
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 21:13:24 -0700

Win,

Condolence....we're so sorry to hear about your mom. We will include her in our prayers.

Can you please let us know your mailing address.

Toni
LA

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From: "Bangkok ETC Webzine"
To: "winwin andres"
Subject: Re: new phone extensions
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 21:29:27 +0700

Dear Win,

Sad to hear the news. Please accept our heartlfelt condolences. I'll tell
our friends about it.

Got to go...take care.

Percy
Bangkok, Th


From: "Bob"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: Hi WinWin
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 23:43:19 EDT

Hello...
I just finally got on here .. and read about the sad news .. I am really
sorry to hear of your unexpected loss.......... God works in mysterious
ways.. One never knows when HE wants us to join him...... My prayers go
out to you and to your Moms everlasting soul. may she find her place in Gods
kingdom .........

Your "forever" friend.......
Bob
USA

P.S. I know how it feels to be without a mom............lost mine when I was six...... ;o((

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From: "Mary Caeg"
To: "winwin andres"
Subject: Sincere Condolences
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 20:37:11 -0700

Win and family:

I was so shocked to hear about the sudden loss of your mom. I remember her as a fun-loving and "cool" person....she was so full of life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of sadness. She will always be remembered as the kind, loving and caring person that she was. She will be missed.

Take care and I will keep in touch.

Best regards to your dad and sisters,

Carmela & family
LA, Cali

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From: Maria Centeno
To: Winwin S Andres
Subject: Hello!
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 13:06:14 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Winwin,

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I should have written sooner but I was out of town and just got back from Toronto this weekend for a 5-week training. I certainly have fond memories of your mom when we always visited you at home back then. She's so young to pass away. How did she die?

I really don't know what to say. I just want to extend my condolences to your entire family and offer my prayers that may her soul rest in peace. How are you holding up? Just hang in there, my friend. Life goes on...and if it gives you any comfort, please remember that you've got another friend in me.

May God bless her soul.

always here for you,

Dulce
LA, Cali

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From: "Andag, Marissa"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: Condolence
Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 16:55:14 -0700

Winwin,

Beth relayed the sad news about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope you're able to go home to Manila w/o difficulty. Be strong and have faith.

My deepest sympathy.

Issa
LA, Cali

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From: "Alan Dimayuga"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: Re: i'll need your prayers...
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 21:22:19 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Winwin,

San nakaburol mom mo? If I were you, try to come home. I already
advised abby and ghie about it. Kailan libing? Come home, ok?

Alan
Las Palmas Group of Hotels

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From: "Serpil"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: Re: i'll need your prayers...
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 19:43:28 EDT

My deepest sympathies and prayers.....serp


From: "Kelly Sullivan"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: Re: Please confirm
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 16:34:56 -0400

Winwin,

i do not have the words...i will send you this...a poem i wrote when my gradnfather past away in 1995. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Kelly
Ohio

Father of the Forest

Life is an endless endeavor through the branches of time
With guidance and nurturing we follow a path that others have explored
Beginners must learn to crawl before they walk
And so on later to run
But who should teach the saplings of life
The truths of our perennial forest?
Whose roots can support the enigmas of a generation?

The oaks of the woodland, so earnestly answered
Worthy parents they would make
Through winters so cold and summers of drought
Their lineage continues on
No matter the plight, against all the odds
These trees forever stand proud
Their children grow strong with the wisdom of their forefathers
Wisdom that brings no problems, and only opportunities

The oak shall never die
Its seed will carry it through the timeless river of life
Its end is simply our beginning
A perpetual cycle in our forest of green
Our lessons learned, from this patriarch oak
Will be passed to those born of our kindred
So it could be said, in so many words
So long "Father Oak", but not good-bye

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From: "Rita Gatt"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 19:59:45 +0200

dear winwin,

i'm so sorry to hear about your mum. i can only try and imagine what you and your family are going through. but i know this one thing she is at peace now, and watching over you, you'll feel her sometimes and you'll just know, she will never be too far away. my prayers go out to you and your family

rita g
malta

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From: "Sisadhi Reuben"
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Subject: Condolences
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 21:39:02 +0800

Dear Winwin

Very sorry to hear that your mother passed away. It was so sudden. What happened? She seemed very healthy.

Please accept my condolences and rest assured that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this time of loss.

Chris

Sisadhi Christopher Reuben (Chris)
The Oriental Bangkok

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From: Maggie Bosman
To: "'Winwin S. Andres'"
Subject: FW: i'll need your prayers...
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 07:55:04 +0200

Dear Winwin,

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers
during this difficult time ..... as is your dad, and of course, your mom.
May her soul rest in peace.

Maggie xxx
So. Africa


From: "Gina McIlroy"
To: 'Winwin S. Andres'
Subject: TEXAS-Condolence
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 20:28:57 -0500

Dear Win,

Sorry to hear about your Mom. I didn't open my mail til Amar called this afternoon. She called Manila today and talked to your Dad. I will call Melissa today via MSN...she's always on line. Peter is also leaving tomorrow for Manila and that he'll call you. if you have a chance to send us phone numbers where we can reach you the better. Mac said condolence din.

I know you're strong...biglaan kasi...be strong! Take care and keep in touch.

Ingat, gina

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From: LyndaCJohnson
To: "Winwin S. Andres'
Subject: Re: i'll need your prayers...
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 18:49:53 EDT

Dear Win:

So sorry about your loss. been there, done that too many times. Of course you and your father will be in my prayers. Just keep in mind that your mother is in a much better place than us now. She'll always remain alive in your heart and those of all who loved her.

When my dad died, it, too was sudden and unexpected. It took me 3 yrs. To finally acknowledge he was gone. Kept expecting him to walk in door and ask why I was telling people he was dead. Sudden death is better for the person who dies than for the ones they left behind. Keep up your faith and be grateful she didn't suffer a long, slow death. She's re-united with God and will be waiting for everyone else. She's at peace now. Take care and have faith.

How's your dad holding up? you? So sorry about your loss. don't know if you ever got the letter I sent you. Just remember to keep in mind she's in a much better place than any of us now. And she's waiting for you and looking out for you. Know it's not much consolation. Been there. Done that. Lost both of my parents. my dad's was sudden but mother was a relief when it finally happened (she had breast cancer which was a slow, painful death).

Love,
Lynda
Arizona

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From: "Carol Mc"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Subject: About your Mom!
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 13:46:10 -0500

I am so terribly sorry to hear about your mom. I know how that feels as my mom died 2 years ago. I am assuming this was totally unexpected as you said nothing this morning.

Please accept my condolences and prayers for you and your family.

If you need to talk, just write! Good luck with flights and leave.

Carol
Oklahoma

Our family flew to Davao City 6 months after Mom's demiss to bring her ashes to her birth place as part of her request while still alive. Photo shows us with some of the Senense Clan, taken during the burial which took place at the Senense family plot in Davao Memorial Park on Feb 7, 2002, Mom's 62nd birthday.

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From: "Flora N. Simard"
To: "Winwin S. Andres"
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 1:50 PM
Subject: Re: mom's final destination...

Dear Win,

Thanks for the detailed news about Manang Aidz' final trip. Yes, if I am correct, she should be 62 years old this 7th of February. She will enjoy all the activities you are doing in her behalf, after all, she was the one doing them for you before. She finally got her turn. I am glad you are home to keep Manong Gene company. Say hello to him from us. I'll write more next time. I still have a lot of things to do.

Hello to everyone in Davao, to Manong Gene, Dina, Nene, Genevieve, Liway and Johnny and Family, Helen and Ralph and Family, and the Senense clan in Davao and Tagum.

Love you all,
Bing Simard
USA