Monday, February 2, 2009

the GREATEST


Dolores "Mamang" DeLaPaz Hernandez

October 7,1921 - January 22,2009

last night i saw you in my dreams
& now i cant wait to go to sleep...
unbreakable, unmistakable highly capable,
a livin legend too,
just look at what heaven do
send us an angel,
and I thank you...


i tried to start writing this countless times but would get too sad and start to cry.
i have cried too many tears, my eyes are beyond puffy. i grieved and found comfort in family and good friends. but i have finally mustered up the courage to write this blog. i wanted to find the right words. anything less would not do it justice. i dont even know where to start. here i go...

to those of you who werent in the know, my beloved great-grandmother passed away not too long ago. at 87 years old she left behind 10 children, 20 grandchildren & 17 great-grandchildren. i was extremely blessed and lucky to have known the love of a great-grandmother. its on a whole other level. the GREATEST and most amazing woman i have ever known. everyone affectionately called her "mamang." i always thought it was so cool that she had her own unique nickname. like everyone called her mamang; her children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. over the last couple years carol & i fondly dubbed her "mamang-ski" (skee). she was my dad's grandma & my grandma's mom (get it? try to stay w/me). i remember as my sisters and i were growing up she would always look after us, took care of us, cooked us the best meals and loved us. the best thing about her was that she loved everyone equally yet still made you feel like the favorite. she was so generous and warm. w/o her, i would not be the person i am today. i remember over the last 5 years her health had been deteriorating as is the curse of old age. but she was still strong & kicking until her old age was winning the battle. the last time i saw her i remember she was so content in her room watching the food network. she was already bedridden and was using an oxygen tank to help her breathe but i remember her telling me that she was so lucky and happy. she sweetly told me because she was able to see me grow up and become the woman i am today and that she was proud that i followed my mother's footsteps in becoming a nurse. i was happy i got to see her that last time. its like she was already saying her last goodbye. i'll always remember her sweet smile & will never forget her love and kindness. i know she's in a better place, resting in paradise. our guardian angel. [mamang] i just want you to know, that lovin you was like food to my soul. rip mamang love you forever.

mamang, daddy & her 10 kids (my grams is the oldest)


mamang & daddy when they first arrived here in LA [1982]


i'll let eric clapton unplugged take it away...

1 comment:

iza said...

aww kelly.. this post was so touching. she's in a better place now watchin yo back..so as Pac would say "keep ya head up"

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