More than just my mother’s father
Dear Tatay,
While I knew you as my mother’s father here on this mortal plane, through your children’s stories of you, you were more than that. You were the type of person who’d run after my mother’s bus to give her glasses that she’d forgotten. You were the man who thought his “inventions” would somehow help and improve the home—most of the time, they were just projects that were eventually discarded, however.
I did appreciate very much that you showed up to an important high school concert one year, while you were visiting us in Jakarta—I hope you were proud that I’d sung a solo, which my parents didn’t get to see. While you were not as adventurous as we were, the mere fact that you tried was enough—staying in the van while we explored temples in Sri Lanka spoke volumes of this sentiment.
If anything, however, I wish I’d gotten to know you better while you were here. I think we had our moments, however, and I’m so glad we did.
When you passed at 93, I was astounded. I also knew how difficult it was for your children to deal with your loss, as you were their last branch of the past. I’m grateful, too, that I had a glimpse of that while you were still here.
I hope I made you proud.
And I will cherish your memory for as long as I can.
Love you, Tay!
Love,
Roxanne
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Roxy Modesto, granddaughter of Priscilliano San Jose, is a saxophonist based in Metro Manila, playing in bands such as AMP Big Band, Blue Rats and Lenses.
