an ache rekindled

over lunch today, across my table, was an elderly lady in a wheelchair. she was having lunch with her family and i couldn't help but watch as her son patiently sliced pieces of chicken for her to eat. she had no teeth and i smiled as she tried to chew her food. she was frail and yet there's this aura of happiness in her. she reminded me of my grandmother. she was a whole lot like her.

inang (that's how we all call her) passed away in 2003 and i still get all weepy when i think about her. seeing this old lady today made me miss her even more. albeit several strokes and a couple of operations, she had a wonderful life.

i was lucky. of the 30 (and still counting) grandchildren, i was the only one who grew up with her. i feel bad for my nieces and nephews who didn't have the chance to meet her. she was simply the best.

it's been almost 5 years now and still, the pain of losing her is just as strong. i miss her. i miss everything about her.