1999 was the year I felt the world crushed on me. At 41, I gave birth to a daughter with Down Syndrome and I was at a complete loss how to deal with this painful reality.
It was then that Ate Ella came to the rescue. Coming from Sacramento, Californina, she was the angel who lived with us and showered her unconditional love and deep affection not only to Eia but to every member of our household.
I pay tribute to this amazing person who was instrumental for molding Eia to be what she is today. From barely 2 months old and onwards, Eia’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy were performed at the UP CAMP CTS (UP College of Allied Medical Profession Clinic for Therapy Services) only once a week. With our combined efforts, Ate Ella and I complied with the Home Therapy Program every single day of the year. As a result, Eia’s physical and speech development were almost at par with any normal child—even superior at times.
Ate Ella is a midwife by profession but is also an honest-to-goodness Gourmet Chef, authentic plantita, florist, vegetable grower, caregiver, tutor, counselor, CheerLeader, tennis player, Scrabble genius, linguist (she can speak German, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Maranaw, etc.) and Charismatic Servant Leader.
Contrary to everybody’s expectation, we are not related by blood but our bond is thicker than any type or form. She has been my sister, aunt, mother, kumare, friend and no. 1 Fan —all rolled into one.
She was more than shocked and almost fainted when I told her I needed her to accompany me to flee from my EX. Gio was only 4 yrs. & 8 months old then, and Eia—2 &1/2 years old. I couldn’t possibly take care of 2 children on my own, running from Las Piñas all the way to Cebu. Thank God for Ate Ella who stood by me through and through. After that Greatest Escape, she courageously took the stand as 1 of my 3 witnesses in the agonizing trial proceeding of my Petition for Marriage Annulment.
I could write a whole book of our escapades, hurdles, and adventures together but for now, this short blogpost has to suffice.
Thank you Ate Ella for choosing to live with us for the past 22 years. Letting go of you will totally break our hearts but it’s about time that you return to the States so you could also take care of Kuya Pedring and your grandchildren. For your 76th birthday, we wish that you can be finally reunited with your family whom you dearly miss.
Happy happy birthday Ate Ella! Thank you for being the Wind Beneath My Wings. We love you, now and forever!
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