REMINISCING THE MEMORIES

As of this moment Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino has been sent to her final resting place where no pain can be felt and only happiness and contentment reign. Millions of Filipinos mourn because of her death. It is a great loss for all of us knowing that there wouldn’t be another Cory. She let us feel that we are all important and showed the true meaning of love.

Love of a Mother

Cory was a doting mother to her five children. We witnessed her great love for Kris everytime Kris shed tears in public.Cory singlehandedly raised her children and served as their father at the same time during Ninoy’s incarceration and after Ninoy’s assassination. Cory was always ready to hear her granchildren’s plea, preparing and serving them foods and giving them words of encouragement.

In fact, Filipinos hailed her as the “mother of our country” for she extended her love and support to her countrymen.

Love of a Wife

I would say that Cory really sacrificed a lot including her love life. She was never selfish. She let the Filipinos share her husband for awakening them from the dark. Cory was very supportive even if she knew that Ninoy’s life was at risk.

Cory was a grieving and distressed widow when she came back home from the United States in 1983. Her one and only true love died without her presence and that is the most painful thing a wife can experience. Even at her darkest hour, Cory showed us how brave and strong she was.

Love for the Country

Cory, as you can ever imagine, was just a plain housewife who emerged as the first woman president of the Philippines. She just managed to take care of her children but after that she led and reorganized the country from chaos. Cory had so much responsibility because Filipinos needed her courage and strength. She was also active after stepping down from the presidency. She joined rallies and protests everytime she observed misgovernance and anomalies. She didn’t mind that some people disturbed her privacy and invite her to engagements as long as they were tools for the betterment of the country.

After Ninoy’s death and People Power I, Cory was like a faster rising star. She was awarded as the Time’s Woman of the Year on 1986 and received honorary doctorates from universities in the country and even abroad. She is the icon of democracy and one of the women who shaped world history. She also became the “Darling of the International Press” and was admired by the whole world.

Love for God

As God as her witness, Cory tried her best to restore and served the Filipinos. Even there were seven coupts against her, Cory found strength from God. She prayed wholeheartedly for her family and for the country. She was a devout Catholic and let us feel that God is always there through thick and thin. Because of her unwavering faith, she captured the hearts of many. During her last days, prayer eased her pain. She wanted us to pray for each other to lead us to peace, unity and solidarity.

I do not know Tita Cory personally but I felt like I lost a relative when she passed away. I also cried when Kris broke down into tears.

My eyes were glued on our television screen and felt like I witness what happened on EDSA I. I was not born at that time but it was such taking a glimpse of our history. People flocked on the streets and bid their last goodbye to Cory. They showed the same fervor and passion as they joined Tita Cory’s funeral procession.

I would like to say thank you to our former president for her exemplary contributions and great examples. Filipinos found a hard time of letting you go but we know that you are welcomed with open arms in Heaven. We love you but God loves you more. We are also happy that you and your only Ninoy are reunited. We don’t know if there will be another couple like you that is selfless, adoring and well-loved.

(photos courtesy of yahoo and google)

--- by Monica Katherine Juezan