Remembering Lolo Paddy (on his 100th year)

My Lolo, Ambrosio B. Padilla, or "Paddy" as family and friends would call him, celebrated his 100th birthday last December 7... and to commemorate his 100th year, the family had special centennial stamps made in his honor. They are real stamps, folks. As in you can actually buy them and put them on your snail mail. :) Awesome right?  To read more on the article by the Philippine Post on Lolo Paddy's stamp, click here.

I can't help but feel a bit sad that Lolo never got to see me get married or meet my husband and my kids. He was a great, kind and loving man and it would have been wonderful for my family to know him. I also can't help but think back on memories with Lolo... although I'll admit that since it's been so man years since he passed, the memories are a bit fuzzy. The memories that DO stick to me though are those of Lolo teaching me how to swim. I remember very clearly how Lolo Paddy took the time and patience to teach me how. 

I also remember our family vacations with the whole Padilla clan.. one distinct memory was in Baguio. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE, HAD to wake up at like 7AM to join Lolo in the parking lot for his Tai-chi exercises. It was quite a sight. And the children and grandchildren did not disappoint. No matter how late you slept or partied the night before, everyone was up bright and early for Lolo's morning exercise. 

Another funny memory was that when Lolo would begin to give out gifts (Christmas, His bday, etc) for example, each grandchild had to line up to receive the gift, which was usually monetary, but then before you would get your gift, you had to say which number you were... this pertaining to your number in the fast-growing list of grandchildren. I think I was #21. But of course he still made it a point to say our names.. and with all those children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, you could say he had a pretty fantastic memory.

Lastly, I remember it was during the wake of Lola Lily (wife of Lolo Paddy, she had passed on a few years before him). Lolo was sitting in a corner during the wake all by himself. I went up to him and handed him an ensaymada (he loved sweets, but ate them in moderation due to his diabetes) and I asked him how he was. He just smiled his sweet and very boyish smile of his. I guess that was his way of saying he didn't know how on earth he was going to live without the love of his life by his side, but he was going to be OK. 

Lolo Paddy was really such an inspiration. I can only wish to be able to live up to the great legacy he had created and the wonderful memories he left us with.