one of those things that reminds us of how short life can be...

In my last post, I told you the story of all the people my grandfather helped in his lifetime. One of those people was my Uncle B. My grandfather helped him and his family through some hardships; allowed them to build a home on his land. Over time, he was more than just my grandfather's drinking buddy... he was family. In my grandfather's final days, Uncle B was there with him within an arms reach ready to help in every way imaginable.

As I grew up, I had the privilege to get to know Uncle B and his family. I played with his children, all of whom were older than me. They welcomed me into their home, share meals with them. To me, they were family. During the summers when all my other cousins were away, I would go over to their home in the middle of the day to sit and talk. He even taught me a little carpentry. I also joined in on some farming. I remember the time when I helped them harvest sugar canes then enjoying fresh sugar cane juice, digging the ground for peanuts, climbing the tall Kamansi (Breadfruit) trees to pluck the delicious fruit. Granted most may see it as the 'simple life' but through that I grew to appreciate and respect the land... the worth of a hard day's work.

I write this post in the memory of my Uncle B. Sadly, he passed away yesterday. I at least had the pleasure to see him again on my last trip home. There is no way to put to words how grateful I am to him, his family. He has been a great influence in my life. My prayers go out to him and his family. May he rest in God's endless love.

The Book of Alberto... 3

Among the many things that I have learned from my grandfather, one of the most important lesson was to help people without any thought or expectation of compensation. In the summers that I spent strolling around with him, he brought me to meet people of various backgrounds, and creeds. He introduced  me to these people and their families getting to know their livelihood, the varying personalities. In the end, I find that all these people revolve around my grandfather because he has helped them in one way or another. Even in the last days of my grandfather, these people stayed with by his hospital bed to help watch over him. 

My grandfather was not a perfect but he was a great man. I pray that I can at least be half the man he was.

One thing I realized recently, who needs a father when I already have so many father- figures who have taught me more than they realize.

The Book of Alberto... 2

Silence is golden.

More words of wisdom from my dear uncle and embraced also by my grandfather. Though their silence pertains primarily on their extramarital relationships. As great respect I have for my grandfather and my uncle/s... I think they are wrong in this regard. I do understand that it was a different time, a different mentality, a different culture. When they preach about taking responsibility, isn't honesty being a part of it? ... 

I must admit the rule is simply but does go a long way. Recently, I have made many revelations in my life and most especially in myself... if you have read the past posts I am sure you can see the contributing factors one of which has been the written works of Paulo Coehlo (and my Fatima especially... after all she was also the one who introduced me to this author). 

More wisdom from Paulo Coehlo from Eleven Minutes...

'Although we didn't take our clothes off and I didn't come inside you, or even touch you, we've made love.' ....

'I've learned that waiting is the most difficult bit, and I wanted to get used to the feeling, knowing that you're with me, even when you're not by my side.' 

... I think its ignorant to say that people never change. In the past decade, I created an impervious shell around myself simply to protect ME. But now that all that has come down and laid my shit out... I feel that I bettered myself... a better Man.

From the book of Alberto... 1

7/8/2012 On that evening, I heard a lot of stories including some profound lessons in life from my uncle (according to him, he learned these from my grandfather... Alberto). In life, we are to take every obstacle as a challenge, to take responsibility for every action and in building relationships, it is no easy task but treat people as how they ought to be treated. Granted, my uncle was shitfaced when he was preaching his message but they truly were words of wisdom...Despite the circumstances take pride and responsibility in your actions and your family.

Probably one of the most hilarious stories I have heard came from my drunk uncle. One of the few joys of life, he was recounting a little treat in what used to be a floating casino called The Philippine Dream. According to my uncle, one of the greatest attractions was a shot called the 'Tequila Sunrise.' His description of the scenario was interesting enough but his delivery was epic. Apparently in service this drink, a topless waitress comes along with a tray with tequila, salt, and lemon. The waitress then places the lemon  between her lips and allows the guest to place salt around her bare nipples.... well if you know how to drink tequila, then you know how it goes.

The one thing I can say about the men in my family is that they are few and far between... in the dozens of cousins that I have, there are only a handful of men. A very resounding trait among the men in my family is that they are lovers of women... to some more than one woman. From my grandfather to my uncles and to my cousins and prior to this trip, myself (Fatima changed my outlook in this regard, more on that later)... we have a great appreciation for women, multiple women. According to a certain uncle, for every man is three women and it is the men's social responsibility to love women... and trust me, he was a true follower of this belief but of course the most 'responsible' man in the family was my grandfather. He LOVED women... enough said.