mourning for the dead

yesterday was the 'babang-luksa' for my dad. it is the filipino term for the official ending of mourning for the dead.

traditionally, mourning is observed for a year but superstitious beliefs strongly suggest that this be ended in less than 365 days. some do it after 9 or ten months.

mourning is usually symbolized by a black clip or pin worn with one's attire. i did this when my older brother died - same when my mom followed after almost 2 years. i was young and i felt i had to follow orders and traditions.

but not when my father died this year. yes, i wore black on the day of his burial. i actually pondered on wearing a light pink shirt because my father had always loved and preferred bright colors. also, the fact that i did not really want to mourn his death. i already did, right after that night he passed away.

so when i got a text message from my stepmother informing me of the event this weekend, i did not bother to think of it as an occasion. for me, there is no mourning to end. i wept and grieved then. and sometimes i would still be sad when i remember him.

people we love will always stay with us. for as long as we keep remembering them they will always live in our minds and hearts.