This is another bit of sad news. And I am sorry that I do not have the details. The messages that I got were deleted from my phone when it broke down.

Few days ago, I got a text message from Manang Vicky (anak daydi Uncle Ilyong) that Manang Linda Cristobal passed away. Manang Linda is the sister of Mang Romy, Manang Lita and Mang Boy (who passed away two years ago; read separate post on this) On that day, Ambet (anak ni Manang Odie nga asawa daydi Manong Mar - used to be the Municipal Assessor of Jones), confirmed the sad news.

I remember Manang Linda well. She had problems with her legs. Piki a kunada. But those are physical attibutes that is hidden, overshadowed by her good deeds. She was a nice woman. She always tell stories about the folks in Diarao when she visits us in our home in Barangay Uno, diay tippang a kunada. She was worrysome ("Ay agawidakon ta awan kadwa ni Nanang, agunget tu manen ni Manong Romy") but in her worries are her deep concern for her Nanang -- the late Auntie Pipay. I knew that Manang Linda and Auntie Pipay were always together in the cornfields and tobacco fields of Diarao tending their farms.

I know that Manang Linda was nanny to many of her nieces and nephews and she considered all of them as her own. How lucky they are to have a very caring auntie in Manang Linda.

And how lucky we are to have a cousin in Manang Linda.