Lola Aning 1908-2005

A sad day for me. Lola Aning joined our Creator this afternoon.

I remember when I was a kid, I used to spend most of my summer vacations in the "Big House" in Aringay. Even without the conveniences of city life, I had everything I needed in the province... good food, peaceful surroundings, loving family.

Here lived Lola Aning. She was the town doctor. She finished medicine at the University of the Philippines and since graduation, practiced medicine in her little clinic at the Big House. People from all walks of life were her patients... from the town officials to the simple farmers and tricycle drivers. She never received financial payments but her patients "pay" her with fruits, vegetables or anything they can afford to give.

She was my Lola. She is my inspiration. Before I went to Japan, she told me that she would like to see me graduate with flying colors from the Academy. She promised me that. There was even a time when her health was near collapsing, I visited her and she said to me with all efforts, "Diba I told you I will wait for your graduation? I'm still here."

Now her body fell, but not her soul. I can still feel her presence everywhere. I can still hear her say, "I'm still here." And I am sure that she will be there, present, in my graduation.

Lola Aning, in a little more than 6 months, I will grant your wish to see me graduate the Academy with flying colors. This, I promise you, as you had promised to wait for me and be there at my graduation.

Till then.