Honestly, I thought that this venerable institution, the Baguio Midland Courier, would outlive me and still be around to inform, educate, and even entertain future generations.
Alas, this is sadly not to be. As the saying goes, “all things come to an end.”
So, for our final column (in this paper, at least), let me dedicate this to the one person who continues to bless this near-sighted Ibaloy writer with so much love despite all my faults, shortcomings, and “naughtiness”: my 81-year-old mama, Dr. Emma Baban Keith, a venerable institution of our clan.
A true-blue superwoman, mama has been working most of her life in helping my daddy, Atty. Gabriel Pawid Keith, in raising three children – our youngest Eric (a businessman), middle child Ianna (an optometrist based in Canada), and me (a lowly public servant), the eldest.
Mama was not only the co-breadwinner with my dad but also did most of the chores at home for many years until she retired early to take care of my ailing father who passed away in 2007 due to diabetes complications. Like I said, mama is superwoman in the flesh.
Just like most Filipino mothers, I guess, mama would always remind my siblings and me that no matter how busy we are, we should always pray and not forget to attend church service every Sunday. She always tells us to put God first in our lives and not let the obsession for material possessions, fame or power rule us since life on this Earth is but temporary and that we cannot take anything with us when we die (including our cellphones).
I must admit to find mama’s advice difficult to follow and irritating at times being the sinful and naughty human being that I am who is prone to dip into life’s temptations. However, I know that in my heart that mama is right and try my very best to be the person she wants me to be. Emphasis on the word “try”.
So help me God.
Anyway, I mentioned earlier that all things come to an end, whether we like it or not. Life is temporary. Knowing this, let us not take anything and anyone for granted especially those we love.
So, to my wife Sarah and daughter Samantha, I love you both. Same goes to my brother and sister, cousins, nephews and nieces, uncles and aunties, other relatives, true friends and even pets. My love goes especially to you, mama. Have a long, healthy and happy life. Cheers!
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
