I woke up today at a little past 5 am kind of confused, is it Sunday? I remembered taking an afternoon nap yesterday after we arrived from Ellen‘s wake. I lost my Sunday. I was dead-tired and must have slept straight for 14 hours. No wee-wee break.
I was tired from traveling, lack-of sleep, from heat exhaustion, and most of all, from crying a river at Ellen‘s funeral.
The past week had been tiring that’s why I haven’t been able to chronicle my activities on a daily basis and at times, I don’t even remember the days that have passed. When we arrived from Sydney, we had to catch up on office work and most of all, my sister-in-law (bilas) Ellen Yee, passed away. The emotional strain was hard on all of us.
May 17 I went to the office, then went home to rest while watching American Idol. As a Filipino, I am all for Jessica Sanchez. Then in the evening, Edmund and I went to La Funeraria Paz in Araneta Avenue. There were so many people, Couples for Christ, Buklod ng Panginoon, Youth for Christ, the classmates and friends of Ellen’s children, families, relatives, etc.
General Rolly Anonuevo, Mrs. Ramos and Atty. Marievic Anonuevo also came. When the clock struck midnight, the crowd started singing Happy Birthday to Edwin, the husband of Ellen. He has the same birthday as my papa, May 18.
How sad that could be, celebrating your birthday at the wake of your wife.
Pictures of Ellen were displayed prominently, including an album she compiled consisting of her pictures with prominent people including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, senators and local celebrities.
With the Malaysian Prince, when I brought Ellen along on a trip to Malaysia sponsored by MAA.
Ellen and Edwin had traveled not only abroad but domestically with their Couples for Christs ministries. They attended so many gatherings and out of town events. One could say that Ellen had been blessed with a good and fulfilling life.
Young family- Ericson, Ellen, Edwin Eizelle and Nico
Family picture taken last December, Ellen frail but happy
Edwin’s love for Ellen was 100%, wala siyang mga de-tours
They’re only daughter Eizelle greeting Edwin a happy birthday
Edwin thanking the well-wishers
Ellen’s remains where transferred to the St. Ignatius Village Chapel on friday morning.
She stayed here for two more days until the morning of Sunday, her funeral.
At 8 am sunday, the funeral procession started, the carriage stopped for about 15 minutes in front of their residence. It was like Ellen taking one last look at the beautiful house she and Edwin built for their family. Her kingdom, her home that hosted many priests, missionaries, Couples for Christ gatherings and prayer meetings. She had a grand 50th birthday here with 500 guests, according to her count.
Edwin got-off the van and opened their gate, as if letting his wife take a peek. It was a touching moment and I tried very hard to hold back my emotions.
And we started our procession along C5
An F150 truck provided by Funeraria Paz carried all the flowers, ang problema itinambak na lang lahat. Naging parang dump truck.
Heritage Memorial Park,
There was a 9 am mass, the priest ran out of hosts, I saw him giving out whole, then he split them into half, then 1/4 na lang, nung huli tig isang tuldok na lang. Tapos sabi nya, we’ll give you the Holy Blood, so wine na lang, tig-isang patak.
Father Robert miscalculated the number of people. There are at least 300 people in attendance and mostly are devout Catholics.
The sun was at its peak
Dra. Wilma Yee-Galope and son Jao distributing red roses
Youth for Christ music ministry
Goodye Ellen
There were ample food and cold beveragesfor more than 300 guests, fried rice, langgonisa, scambled egg, pastries, etc.
500 pieces of canapes from Deli France
I cried a river at the wake and during the funeral. It was so sad seeing Ellen’s children and husband crying and grieving. How does one move-on after a great loss?
I brought a box of tissue and I almost consumed the whole box from wiping my tears.
At the Eulogy, their daughter Eizelle, 21, and 3rd year architectural student at UST, said she would be graduating from college without the presence of her mom at her graduation rites.
Edwin said “Nag-iisa na pala ako, akala ko narito pa rin siya, to help me entertain all of you, when we came home, kulang na pala kami as a family”.
Edwin, while crying, further said— “Ellen relied on me fully when it comes to cancer. She thought I know everything there is to know about cancer and the treatments. I think I failed her”.
Edwin said Ellen kept on thanking him for taking care of her while she’s sick and he told her
“Do not thank me, I am doing this because I love you”.
