I find myself awake at what would normally be considered an unholy hour because of my sacred duty to my family. My eldest son, Juan, and my youngest and only princess, Lucia, needed to be lavished special attention on last night. My wife, of course, provided most of the care and affection that our little ones needed, while I mumbled and stumbled around the room as she asked me to do menial tasks to, I suspect, gracefully keep me out of her way while she did all the hard work.
As an entire nation mourned the passing of former President Corazon C. Aquino, I found myself making plans to either join the procession to Manila Cathedral, or at the very least, try to follow the events through a live web feed. Sadly, or so I though at the time, my obligations kept getting in the way of my feeble attempts to pay my respects to a bastion of democracy.
Tita Cory was not a particularly gifted leader. But she distinguished herself from all others who have held the office in recent memory by refusing to hold on to power when she had every opportunity to do so. Sometimes, the most profound expressions of love and compassion involve letting something go. And so she did, reaffirming the adage "If you love them, set them free." By refusing to prolong her stay in office, she set a sterling example of sacrifice. By refusing to linger past her appointed time, she made sure the Filipino people would remain free, if only for a while longer.
And so, this former amateur street parliamentarian, a veteran of two EDSAs, would like to thank Tita Cory for making it possible to miss her funeral. If it weren't for her selfless example in guaranteeing a democratic succession, I had a choice. I chose to spend my time with my family, a luxury that I suspect the sprawling Aquino family would rather enjoy in lieu of the complications arising from allowing an entire nation to grieve the passing of a leader while all they want to do is mourn the passing of a mother.
Requiescat in pace, Madame Corazon C. Aquino. You never outstayed your welcome. You respected our democratic institutions to perpetuate yourself in power. You will be missed.
Photo Credits:
Picture of Corazon C. Aquino comes courtesy of Filipino United Network.
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