Margarita

Nonoy Remembers Lola Eta

 

Nonoy’s grandmother, whom he and other cousins would fondly call, Lola Eta, is the grand dame of the wonderful San Andres clan, Nonoy’s clan.

 

She had a personality uniquely her own. Among others, she is respected by all people in their village, a peaceful town where Nonoy and his cousins, all her grandchildren, grew up. This was during the early 1980s.

 

As a child, Nonoy would see her dealing with their tenants in a mighty but friendly voice, speaking sensible words, full of witty jokes and all—traits that would make anyone think she has the making of a future president. But she had not become one, not even of Nonoy’s own country.

 

In more ways than one, she had been a major influence to most members of their clan. Through old age, Nonoy’s grandmother has remained a strong-willed and generous woman who preserved her own dignity and honor.

 

In her eighty-one years, Margarita and her husband Emiliano had lived long and well.