ODE TO MOM
This ode is by Sabrina Panlilio for her mom, Menchu Bautista.
Menchu is the Matriarch of the Cesbau family (8 children, 8 in-laws, 23 grandkids, 6 grandkids in law and 12 great grandkids). She is actively involved in Santuario de San Antonio’s Scholarship Program and is a member of the fun-loving “Walking Group” of Dasma/Forbes fame.
To my dearest Mom,
Searching for pictures from your myriad photo albums was a walk through memory lane. Memories from childhood of a strict but loving Mom came to mind … praying the Rosary … being active in Church and in the community …traveling here or abroad with you and Pop … friends always welcome … our home was a “grand central station”.
When we started to have our boyfriends, you welcomed them like your own sons. When Tito and I got married, I remember your excitement as you helped plan our wedding. And you helping us furnish our home in Posadas and then in Greenmeadows.
When the grandkids started coming, you became the “Mamita” caring for Criselle and Gin, at first, and later on all the other grandkids that followed. And the cycle of loving continued. You were always a good example of the consummate wife, mother, grandmother, friend! Your total love and care for Papa taught us to be loving spouses ourselves.
Love was the one thing you never ran out of. Whether it be to our family, the in-laws, the extended families, friends, helpers and less-fortunate. And your faith and love for God and Mama Mary inspires us to be men and women of faith and prayer.
These and all the photos will never capture the meaningful life that you live and the wonderful person that you are! Mom, we love and cherish you forever!
