Of November 1 and Remembering The Dead

November 1 and November 2 marks the days of remembering people who passed away. It is the time when flowers and candles shoot prices, the time when more men in police uniform are seen, the time when kids and even adults wear their favorite Halloween costumes, and the time when parties and sometimes mishaps are held at the cemeteries.

It is the day I hate the most.

July 22, 1996 was when my father, Benjamin Abuan Mostrales, passed away. He taught me how to be humble and generous at all times no matter who asked for help. He was the one who opened my eyes saying it is not enough to count your blessings, you have to share them. He came from a very poor family. His pants going to school were literally made out of sack of flour but he made it through college with perseverance.  

7 years later, my grandfather, Theodoro Pimentel followed. That was June 24, 2003. He was a teacher. He seldom talks. Very naive. My grandfather taught me patience, patience and patience. He taught me that waiting will bring you the crown. He taught me integrity pays even without shouting it to the world and he taught me how to compose myself even when things go wrong.

Another 7 years past, January 10, 2010, my mom, Bernardina Pimentel Mostrales, left us. My mother, like her father was so naive. I know my mom as the most demure, unpretentious woman. Yes! Exactly my opposite. She can befriend my friends, my brother's friends and even our friends' parents.

Not long after that, June 24, 2012, my grandmother, Eduarda Catalino Pimentel bid goodbye. My grandmother on the other hand is one intelligent and courageous woman. She does not know how to read and write but she's one who took life's teaching and learned from it. My cousin even said and I qoute,

It is not impossible to go wherever you want to be. You just have to befriend courage, will and faith to find the way. A lesson from lola Duarda. -by Racey Arianne Alsaen

These four people are the people who drew and painted the most important canvass of my life. These were the people who left and are remembered not only during November but everyday of my life. These are the people who made me cry, who made me strong and who made me the person I am today. 

These are the people who made me hate November because it's the day when people around remind me that they left me alone to struggle with day to day battles. I should have moved on but every November 1st is a painful reminder.  It is a reminder that I don't have a choice but to accept that they maybe dead but they are forever alive in my heart.