Rochel Fortajada
Lola Lily and Lola Pong were not just “mag-balae” (in-laws). They were soulmates. They met late in their lives after their children got married, yet they quickly became inseparable—a friendship that went beyond words, years, seasons.
Both of them held a special place in my heart. At every family gathering, it was always my task to care for them: to make sure they were comfortable, serve their food, and take their picture for Lola Lily’s album. I never considered it a chore; it was a privilege to see their love, laughter, and care for each other.
No conversation ever ended without one of them saying, “Basta magdasal lang tayo palagi, Mare (Let’s always pray, sister),” and the other replying, “Kasali ka parati sa mga panalangin ko (You are always included in my prayers).”
Their friendship was remarkable. Being around them, I was deeply moved by how their hands, gray hairs, and gentle lines told the story of a lifetime of sacrifices for their family. Their hands, worn from years of care, spoke of endless devotion. Their gray hairs were a testament to wisdom, prayers, and love poured into everyone around them.
In 2020, Lola Lily had a stroke that paralyzed almost her entire body. Her cardiovascular disease made recovery difficult, yet she held on to hope because of her faith in God.
Then, in August 2022, Lola Pong passed away from stage 4 cancer, just three months after learning of her illness. Even in her fragile state, she thought of others and did not want to burden her family. On my last visit before she died, as I told her I would be heading home, she whispered, “Naniniwala talaga ako na walang imposible sa dasal. Sabihan mo si Mare na kung hindi man ako mabigyan ng himala ng Diyos, sa langit na lang kami magbonding ha (I really believe nothing is impossible with prayers. Please tell Lily that if God does not grant me a miracle, we will just bond in heaven).”
I cried but tried to remain composed.
Her last words revealed the essence of surrender. She prayed with all her heart, hoped without fear, and trusted God completely. Her faith allowed her to let go, trusting that God’s plan was perfect.
In her final moments, she showed me that prayer, love, and surrender are inseparable, and that faith can hold both longing and peace at once.
We never informed Lola Lily about Lola Pong’s death. But on the day Lola Pong passed, I was changing Lola Lily’s clothes when a butterfly came into the room. I had never been a believer in superstitions, yet I was certain that no butterfly had ever entered Lola’s room except that night.
Looking at it gently flying above her, Lola Lily said, “Paru-paro, may balita. May bisita (Butterfly, there’s news. There’s a visitor).”
In September 2022, just a month after Lola Pong’s passing, Lola Lily also passed away, as if their hearts could not be separated even in death. I remember her on her deathbed, staring at the ceiling, softly uttering the word “Mare.”
I can’t help but wonder if it is true that when we leave this world, the people who mattered most to us, who have already passed, are there to meet us. And perhaps, for Lola Lily, it was Lola Pong.
Both of them have now passed, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and an extraordinary friendship that touched everyone around them.
Their lives remind me that friendship is a treasure at any age. Time is fleeting, life is fragile, and no amount of moments with loved ones will ever feel enough, but every single one matters.
I am inspired by their strength, endurance, and above all, their unwavering faith in God. Life is not measured by comfort but by how we endure, how we hold on, and how faith and prayer guide us through every trial. Prayer and faith are lifelines that give hope when the path feels uncertain, courage when life feels heavy, and peace in surrendering to God’s plan.
Their story will always remind me to cherish the people I love, to pray for them sincerely, and to live with a heart full of faith, hope, and gratitude for every fleeting moment we are given.
They showed me that the greatest legacy we leave is love freely given, prayers sincerely offered, and friendships cherished deeply. Their lives remind us that true strength is not in wealth or comfort, but in devotion, faith, and care for others.
Even in their passing, their love and friendship continue to guide and inspire everyone fortunate enough to know them.
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Rochel Fortajada
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