Cory In My Life

Let me talk about Cory Aquino and how her death has affected me.

When I learned that she had colon cancer I felt sad because it reminded me of a close aunt who passed away due to a colon disease. More than that I knew that only a miracle could cure colon cancer...even though Mrs. Aquino was a person worthy of divine healing.

When she passed away during the first week of August, I cried. Of course, nobody saw me because I did it while I was in the shower. The tears were for her, for her family, for the country and for the many memories that her death brought back...

I was in kindergarten in Davao during the dictatorship and I could never forget seeing dead men on the roadside, on the public highway where we passed going to school in the morning. "Salvage" was a common word in Davao city and I remember hearing adults saying "curfew". I didn't understand what Marshall Law meant then.

Cory Aquino's death reminded me of my happy childhood and of loved ones who are long gone - my wonderful maternal grandmother, a beloved aunt, cousins, my school.

Although away from EDSA, I could remember the yellow ribbons made of glossy, stretchy material that we - yes - tied on trees. I remember the Ninoy shirts and the relief on adult family members' faces when the dictator was gone. But I especially remember the time when Mrs. Aquino's helicopter landed on our school's field for her Davao visit. Did I see her? I know I did but I don't remember how she looked.

Cory Aquino also meant my first airplane ride. It was right after the EDSA Revolution when my parents decided to bring me and my brother to Manila (also for the first time). Part of our itinerary was to visit Malacanang Palace and that was an experience that I would cherish until this day. It's just unfortunate that cameras were not allowed in the palace but it would have been so great to have photos of Ferdinand Marcos' room, the golden toilet and bath, Imelda's shoes and jewelry, the beautiful paintings and statues.

It was only when I grew older that I realized how much I valued the democracy that Ninoy died for and Cory fought for. They loved the Philippines so much that they sacrificed time with their children. They loved their fellowmen so much that they fought for what they believed in until each one's end.

Cory's son, Noynoy, was asked about the family trial that they had to face during their mother's demise. I don't remember the exact words but he said something about growing up with trials in their life. I thought, that's what he remembers about growing up - the trials. How hard it must have been. And yet the Aquino children do not harbor any ill feelings toward their parents or their country. In fact, they continue to serve the very people who have stolen their parents time from them. This was the reason why allowed tears to flow for Cory Aquino and her family.

I thank Cory (and Ninoy) for believing in the Filipinos when we, ourselves, did not, for the prayers she said for the country and especially for sacrificing time with her beloved children to serve the Filipino people.