Menchu Concepcion
Dearest Rica,
When I was pregnant with you, your father and I prayed for a girl, after having three boys. You cannot imagine the joy we felt when you finally came!
We felt doubly blessed because you were born on December 8, feast of the Immaculate Concepcion. We named you Maria Imaculada.
Soon you will become a grandmother yourself, thus you might find my advice antiquated, but I happen to believe it is timeless, proven and tested.
Be the foundation that keeps the family together. Make the house a home, a place your children and grandchildren will remember and cherish. Keep busy with things that interest you.
I can only look at you and congratulate you for being better wives and mothers than I ever was
Be organized and focused on your goals. I am happy you appreciate the value of work and are taking an active role in our family business.
Today, we have a reversal of roles. You now take care of Dad and me, and I thank you for that. I love you more than you know. To my beloved daughters, Dinggay and Mayen:
It was a bumpy, difficult road we had to take these past months. Both of you were relentless in reminding me to have that executive checkup. I could not understand the urgency. I felt fine and did not show any symptoms. But you, my little nagging angels, persisted!
Though miles apart, you both managed to communicate. So when the results of the malignancy of polyps in my colon came out, you, together with your brothers Vincent and Joseph, agreed on an action plan. I was told one-man committees were established and roles were defined with nary a complaint.
One of you attended to the physical and emotional needs of your papa, making sure he ate on time and slept early.
While I was going through a four-hour surgery, you went to look for a suitable place for your papa and me to live in so we can be near the hospital.
You, my girls, were the pil- lars of strength in this time of crisis. You were in control of what you could control. I thought for a moment I was seeing myself, but realized I should not flatter myself.
I have some regrets in my life, but having you as my daughters and seeing how you have turned out is my greatest reward, for which I am forever grateful to the Lord.