It has been awhile since I’ve posted. Not only because I haven’t had the time, but I regret so much that amongst all the women I’ve highlighted in my blog, I didn’t get the chance to interview my mom. After fighting cancer for 6years, she passed away last week. I’ve never been this heart broken and lost. There’s so much memories that I can write about, but for now I wanted to share the memories we’ve included in her eulogy.
On behalf of the Janas family, I will be reading the memories they wrote of our most beloved Tita Grace.
Tita Grace was only 54years old. Although young, she accomplished so much, in addition to studying Psychology, she was also a flight attendant, a certified nursing assistant which led to her pursuing her Nursing degree in her early 40’s.
But most of all, through out her life, she was a clever entrepreneour. She dabble into neumerous business ventures to make sure that she’s able to support not just her immediate family but also extended family, friends and different churches she thought needed help in the Philippines.
She was born in Manila Philippines and grew up with 4 siblings raised by her grandmother, Maxima. Not to go into details, she was a trouble maker :). Her sister Tita Pinky has confirmed that Tita Grace had issues following the rules. She recalls having to get her out of trouble almost daily – sneaking her inside after being locked out of her house for staying past her curfew. She was also a very clever child. One of her chores was to sell rice noodles at the market with her grandmother. In order to finish early and be able to play, she would sell it “Buy 1 get 1 free”. Unfortunately, she got caught by her grandmother. Tita Grace began to build a family but was widowed at an early age with 4young children along side raising her younger sister Tita Ilona. Life as a single mother was only bearable for her because she was able to depend on God and always by faith was able to send the kids to an international private christian school. They didnt go to church only on Sundays, they were at church almost every day being involved in different ministries that were highly encouraged by her. That was her commitment to God, to their church and it lasted even in her final moments. Also by faith, she prayed for 10years before meeting the biggest blessing of her life Tito Glen. The long distance relationship was tough for both of them but every morning the kids would hear her start dialing up to connect to the internet and loudly typing on her chunky 90’s bulky computer love letters to dad Glen. The decision to marry Tito Glen was so easy because he perfectly fit and instantly became a part of the family. Among her many suitors, she knew he was the one. She prayed for dad Glen, calling him Boaz of her life, and she made sure she took care of him well. Even before leaving us, she always prayed that he’d feel loved, secured and never lonely- that’s how Tita Grace was.
Tita Grace was always clear with her children growing up, she was their mom and not their best friend. She didnt just say those words, she meant every bit of it. She was very very strict, as many of you know, making sure they were God fearing, well dressed polite top ranking students that never spoke to strangers quote, unquote “Even if it was the President of the United States”. She believed that her being strict was the reason why “the fruit of her labors” were successful along side being deeply involved at church. BUT WE THINK SHE WAS WRONG. Tita Grace was not just our mom who guided us to learn how to be humble, generous, kind and brutally honest, she was truly OUR BEST FRIEND AND OUR FRIENDS’ BEST FRIEND. A standout memory for ate cat was when she took her to dinner to Manila Peninsula Hotel for her 18th birthday one of the most elite hotels in the Philippines making it very special. That’s how Tita was – she made sure everything was made special. She didn’t want them to miss out on experiences just because they were struggling financially. Ate Leil enjoyed driving at 4:00am and talking non stop traveling very far to go shopping after thanksgiving. Talking on the phone while driving had become a part of their daily routine even up until she was in the hospital. Spending time and talking was very important to Tita Grace. The most important thing she instilled in them was loving each other and supporting each other always. Mae loved singing and as she pursued her passion, Tita Grace made sure she was up front and center watching, she supported all her travels and performances and especially very proud of her when she sang at the Carnegie Hall. Tita Grace also valued education and taught them that its something that nobody can take away. Even at a young age she pushed Marty to apply to all available scholarships and volunteer works. She was so involved in every detail that lead to their success in life and they owe all of their success to her. BUT OF ALL OF THESE THINGS, SHE WAS MOST PROUD OF HER GRANDCHILDREN. They are the reason she fought cancer for almost 6 years – she called them her inspiration. In fact, she promised Cydney that she’d go to college with her and watch every boy who comes close to her. Ken, Kimi, Cydney, Elysse, Max, Oliver, Rogue, Emory and Eli were so blessed to have a Lola who would put them first always. She made sure she had time for each one of them. She always thought of them as her angels as she went through her battle with cancer. We did not expect that in turn she would be an angel for them. We all look forward to the day we meet her again – cancer free. Breathe free mom.
POWERFUL WOMEN 