Babang Luksa

Tomorrow marks our dear Uncle Rolly's 40th day in the Lord's heavenly presence.

But because the Bible says, "With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day" (2 Pet. 3:8), it is difficult to measure by human time how the Lord has already rewarded this great man with Beatific Vision in His presence.

Who knows? While Uncle Rolly was gone from us for a mere 40 days, could he have been rejoicing, relaxing and remaining in the Lord for "thousands of years" already? Wow...

On the other hand, it also amazes me how this tradition of Babang Luksa has sprung up in the Filipino psyche. Those of us who are familiar with this deeply rooted Christian practice know well that this culture of "putting away our sorrowful veils" (hence the term "babang luksa") after 40 days of the death of our loved one springs from Christ's ascension into heaven exactly 40 days after Easter Sunday. Hence, religious as we are, we are assured that as Jesus ascended into heaven, the soul of our beloved departed is taken into heaven.

Today, I rejoice because Uncle Rolly's death has not been in vain. His life has been a living testament of happiness itself. he is the epitome of positivity. And because of this, the 22 years i spent with him were the most optimistic years of my life. Because of his death, his memories, his influence, his advice will continously throb in my heart forever.

To all the people who have been praying for his soul, to all those who have been greiving with us, and to all those who have accompanied our family's journey, allow me to say Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

Indeed, Uncle Rolly is praying that God would reward your selflessness!