A Simple Family Dinner for Lola Tessie's Birthday | Celebrating Life

Andi Dela Torre Griffiths | Memento Vivere Blog
Oct 18
2 min read

Not everyone reaches their 90s (or even 80s nowadays), so I’m thankful that both of my grandmothers are still alive, and I got to see one celebrate another year of life.

Lola Tessie is the grandmother we grew up with (I love my other grandma just as much). I was with her for the most part during my early childhood because we did church activities together. She would tag me along during processions, prayer meetings, and the like.

I would also hang out with her at the Pasig City Library when she was still the city's head librarian. She was strikta and sharp with words at times, but she had a lot of things going on.

Lola was also a fan of natural beauty remedies. I guess that explains why she still looks beautiful for her age. Ang kinis nya parin! Hehe. She used aloe vera a lot. Sya yung nagturo sakin nun and napakadaming tanim ng aloe vera sa bahay dati hahaha. Maganda daw for the hair and skin.

Present during the simple dinner were her siblings (insert lolo Orling & lola Baby), cousins, and nephews/nieces. My sister wasn't able to come because she went to see the F1 race in Singapore, but she also lives at home with Lola, so they'll catch up after her trip.

Tito James (lola's nephew) & Tita Sally (lola's sister) were the first ones there. #earlybirds

Lola still recognizes us, but there are moments when she gets it all mixed up. I remember one time, she called me Jenny. I was confused and had to reintroduce myself. But I guess she just remembered one of her nieces- my aunt Jenny. She also mentioned the old mayor (now deceased) of our city in one instance. Yun yung akala nyang current mayor. Ganito talaga yata kapag nasa ganitong age na, may mga memories sila from the past na nagre-resurface, and napaghahalo.

We really like her skin; it's naturally clear and smooth. Ito yung hindi namin nakuha hehe.