In Memory Of Lucia (Lola Lucy) Agcaoili

EUOLOGY FOR LOLA LUCY
Given by her grandson Patrick Agcaoili
September 26, 2009, Burnaby, British Columbia

Good afternoon friends and family. For those of you who don’t know me…my name is Patrick. I’m Lola Lucy’s oldest Grandson. I want to welcome you all to Lucia’s memorial and life celebration.

I have never known a more generous and selfless woman than my grandmother, Lucia. By looking at everyone in attendance here, I know that holds true for many people. I want to thank everyone for coming here today and supporting my family during this difficult time.

My grandma never liked to be the center of attention. If she were with us now, she would want us to take the focus off her and put it on us. She would not want us to focus on the sadness of her death, but instead look at the happiness we still have in our lives. She would want us to look at each other and appreciate what we have together and what we hope to make better.

I have much consolation in the good feelings my memory gives me. Some of my fondest memories of Lola Lucy came when I was a young boy…..When I think about her…I think cakes and delicious baked goods. My grandma enjoyed baking and was very passionate about it. She always made sure that her ingredients were the best kind; she never settled for anything lesser than the good stuff. She would produce the tastiest treats I’ve ever had in my life.

Back in the days when we were kids she would come visit us and stay at our house a couple of days a week, and as a kid I looked forward to her arrival because it meant that we would have delightful cakes and pastries to enjoy. Coming home from school was very exciting for me…as soon as I walked in the door the smell of freshly baked cakes were overwhelmingly wonderful. Lola would always wait for me until I got home before icing the cakes. She knew this was my favorite part…because I got too lick and clean the icing off her baking utensils. Yes it was a dirty job but someone had to do it.

Her baking was so good that neighbors and family would order cakes from her during special occasions. However, Lola wasn’t comfortable writing “happy birthday” or “happy anniversary” on the cakes, so she would always ask me to do it for her. I became her little assistant…we worked hand in hand….and I enjoyed every moment of it.

My grandma was a strong person. She was only a little over 5 feet tall but deep down inside….she was resilient. I’ve never met anyone that has survived two near death experiences and have lived to tell about it. Sometime in the 90’s she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The tumor was critically seated in the area of the brain that was very risky to extract, given her old age and medical condition. But amazingly she endured this surgery and survived against all odds. Then about six years ago, she became sick again. This illness has caused her kidneys to fail and ultimately made her weak. Awfully weak that she slipped into a coma. My Grandma had very little hope to live. I witnessed the doctors’ attempt to revive her from her sleep but to no avail. The only thing that was keeping her alive was the life support system by her bedside. There was absolutely nothing else the doctors could do to keep her alive. Shortly after, a priest was called in to administer the last rites. Family and friends gathered around her and said their goodbyes. Then two days later, Lola Lucy miraculously slipped out of unconsciousness and was on the road to recovery. It was obvious that it wasn’t her time to go. God had other plans for her.

Life after two near death experiences came with a price….Lola was never the same physically. She became weaker over the years and was susceptible to everyday viruses and illnesses. It was apparent that she had lost her will to live…quite often she would speak of wanting to die, and that she was tired of living with all her chronic ailments. We would always tell her, Lola stay strong…don’t lose hope…you still have a long way to go.

On a lighter side, I’m sure that the birth of her five great grand children was as much motivation for her to live and to be in high spirits. Araceli, Raniel, Adriel, Gia and Dannica brought her love and happiness. Lola enjoyed being around them….she could sit for hours just watching over them play with each other.

If I had to choose one word to describe my grandma, it would be GENEROUS. She lived a very simple life…she didn’t have the everyday luxuries that you and I take for granted. But if you came to her for help…whether you are family or friend…she would lend a helping hand in any way she could. Not too long ago I got into some trouble…without any hesitation she offered to help me out. She didn’t have to…but because of her unconditional love and benevolence, she helped me get out of a deep hole. For that I am forever grateful.

These days…it’s way too easy to make excuses. Busy with work, sports, parties, technology, etc. I do regret not spending more quality time with my grandma. I guess in the back of my mind I always saw this durable super-woman that would live a long life, and that there would be another “tomorrow” for me to come and see her. Well I was wrong….there is no more tomorrow….She’s gone. I never even got the chance to tell her I love her for the last time.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the people, both friends and family, that were personally and intimately close to my grandmother. I know… and you know who you are. Thank you for keeping her company…thank you for cooking and sharing your food with her….thank you for taking her to her medical appointments…thank you for running errands for her…thank you for taking her to the casino (her favorite past time)….thank you for chatting with her on the phone…and most of all, thank you for making Lola Lucy feel that she is not alone in this world.

Lola I will miss you dearly. You have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. Thank you very much for giving me hope when I was down. I wish I could have been there with you when you took your last breath of air. You are now in a better place….God Bless You. Rest in peace Lola. I love you!