Benjamin Franklin's Reflections on Death

January 30, 2010

I received this piece on Benjamin Franklin's reflections on death from one of Norman's batchmates in Peace Corps Nepal 2, Don Messerschmidt which he shared after the death of one of their mentors, Lee Bomberger. It is very heartening, especially if a loved one just departed for the better life.

“A man is not completely born until he is dead.

“Why, then, should we grieve, that a new child is born among the immortals? We are spirits! That temporal bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in making a living, or in acquiring knowledge, or in doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God. When these physical bodies become unfit for these purposes, affording us pain instead of pleasure becoming a burden instead of a blessing, it is equally kind and benevolent that God has provided a way by which we can vacate them.

“Death is that way! Our friend and we were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him.”

―Ben Franklin’s letter to his brother Jon's bereaved widow

Peace and Godbless
Gabby

Port au Princesse (Puerto Princessa, Palawan)

January 28, 2010

I was in Puerto Princessa, Palawan this past Tuesday and Wednesday. Arrived this noon. I facilitated a seminar workshop for socially marketing Palawan State University. It was so peaceful there and I enjoyed the "break" from stressful Metro Manila. Enjoyed the many colored butterflies and flowers and plants. I stayed the University hostel by the bay and the top picture is what I saw from my window. The pictures that follow were taken in the resort of my friend Che Prado, Marina de Bay. His eldest daughter wuit her managerial job in Metro Manila to run the resort. Looking forward to returning there again. Had lots of prayerful and reflective moments.

Godbless
Gabby

Sharing Poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye

January 25, 2010

Sharing this simple but very meaningful poem with all who have lost a very dear one.


Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Godbless President Corazon Aquino on Your 77th Birthday

January 25, 2010

God bless you President Corazon Aquino on your 77th birthday. Please help both our families arrive at God's peace.

Gabby

Bramble Get-Together After Woody's Burial

January 23, 2010

Eternal rest grant unto Woody, Melba and Norman, Lord and let perpetual life shine on them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace happily forever.

Amen

Woody Bramble's Death Anniversary

January 23, 2010

I offer special prayers on the death anniversary of Woody Bramble, Norman's Dad, whom I never got to meet. I was with Norman in DC that very cold morning of Jan.1984. It was Carolyn who called to break the sad news to Norman and we had to prepare for him to get the earliest flite to SLC to join the family. Spent part of my evening Mass in prayers for Woody, Melba, Norman and all the beloved departed family members of the Brambles, Hands and other branches.

Gabby

Persevere in Doing Good Always

January 20, 2010

Never tire of doing good no matter what for in due time God will reward us. He has plans for us to prosper and succeed, and not fail. Praise and thank God with joy forever.

Gabby

I FORGIVE EVERYONE

January 19, 2010

Lord, today I choose to forgive everyone
Because you have forgiven me
I forgive my parents, spouse, partner, children
For any unlove and negativity
Knowingly or unknowingly bestowed on me.
I forgive my brothers, sisters, and relatives
Whose past negative actions
Continue to affect my life today.
I forgive friends and neighbors
For all wrongs ever done to me
I forgive the one person in my life
Who has hurt me the most
The one most difficult to forgive
As I forgive everyone today.
May they also forgive all my trespasses.
Amen

Feast of Sto. Nino

January 17, 2010

Pit Senor! Viva Sto. Nino.

Gabby

68th Wedding Anniversary of Mama & Papa (+)

January 11, 2010
Yesterday was the 68th wedding anniversary of Mama and my late Papa. It was also the wedding anniversary of my oldest brother Manolo and his late wife Star. I had Mama over for lunch at home. She was picked up by my younger brother Mario and his family.
Gabby

More Pictures of My Oath Taking, 1/08/10

January 9, 2010
Here are more pics from the oath taking ceremony I had before the President's Executive Secretary yesterday at the Palace.
Gabby

Oath Taking

January 8, 2010

This morning I took my oath of office as Trustee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines before Pres. Gloria Arroyo's Executive Secretary, Hon. Eduardo Ermita at his Palace Office. Accompanying me were my DAP President, Tony Kalaw and 2 close DAP colleagues, Dr. Gloria Mercado and Prof. Ophel Tongco. It's a day of thanksgiving.

Gabby

Trustee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

January 7, 2010

Tomorrow, I shall take my oath of office privately as Trustee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines before the Executive Secretary, the dean of the President's Cabinet at the Palace where he holds office. President Gloria Arroyo appointed me Trustee till 2013 on the recommendation of the National Security Adviser and concurrent Secretary of National Defense. I shall serve this trusteeship for the greater glory of God.

Gabby

Death of Young Wife of My Young Cousin

January 2, 2010

My young cousin Jay Jacinto just lost his young wife, Aileen, to cancer last New Year's Eve in San Francisco. A very sad event for him and his family and for us. A friend sent this piece to console him.

LETTER FROM HEAVEN

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all
I arrived O.K.

I’m writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
here, there’s no more tears of sadness;
here just eternal love.

Please don’t be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me
and said "I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family
they will be here later on.
There is so much we have to do
to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
and when you lie in bed at the night
and the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years.
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.

But be not afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it
by taking each day at a time.
So when you are walking down the street
and you got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only a half a step behind.
And when its time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going..
you’re coming here with me.


Eternal rest grant to Aileen, Lord and let perpetual light shine on her. May she enjoy Your presence as her eternal reward.