Dear Loren,

Dear Ate Loren,

Wow, another year gone by already. The years just seem to be coming by faster and faster. But here we are, 18 years today since you left us, and the memory of you still lives on.

So much has happened since I last wrote to you, since I last thanked you for saving my life in the accident. Well, you’ll be glad to know that I most definitely have been trying to live my life fully, and whole-heartedly. The best thing happened to me after the accident, and I met the love of my life. His name is Robbert and he’s kind, sweet, and extremely funny. Sometimes it hurts to think about how you would never meet or know him, because I know you would really like him. He has brought so much color into my life, and is one of the biggest reasons why this year has been absolutely incredible. Sometimes I think about how if I had died, then I never would have gotten to experience love in this sort of way; so I’m so thankful, so thankful to be alive, living and thriving. Wow, I’m starting to tear up right now thinking about the accident again, and just how grateful I am that you’re my guardian angel, always looking out for me, and for the family.

Speaking of family, we all went to the Philippines this year to celebrate the holidays. I wish you were there, physically I mean. I think you would have really enjoyed it as well. I’m sure you know this already, but it was the first time we were all together in the Philippines since your funeral. The first time we were all together at your grave since we buried you. It brought back a lot. I could definitely feel your presence while we were having mass by your tombstone.

The library that we set up in your name is also doing very well. We’ve heard great stories about the students’ experiences at the library. It felt surreal being at the library, as if I was transported back in time. Remember all those encyclopedias we used to have back at the old house? The brown ones and the ones with the different colors? Or all our old stuffed toys? Or our Barbie dollhouse? Yeah, they’re all in the library now, so if you’re ever feeling nostalgic, then you know where to go. haha.

Everyone in the family is doing extremely well. Dad is still teaching at the college, Mom’s business is thriving, Kuya is moving to New York where Sadia is currently attending Columbia University at the Graduate School of Journalism, and Lorel and Tim have some big plans coming up this year! This often makes me wonder about where you would be at this point in your life? Would you be married? Have kids? What sort of job would you be working? Well, I guess we will never know, but this I know for sure: no matter what or where you would be, I know you’d be touching the lives of the people all around you. Because that’s just who you were: just so kind.

Ate Loren, I miss you so much. I have been thinking about you all day today. Today I honour you, and I honour your life. You will never be forgotten. I love you.

Love always,

Your sister,

Loubelle

 

 

 

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