Consummatum est - It is finished

[starshadow_rivaulx]

Today we buried a former president. Possibly one of the best-loved in Philippine history. For all that her family would have wanted private rites for a private person, they acknowledged the need to share their mother with the people she governed the best way she knew. So their grief was put on display, and hearts ached for them; tears were shed when the youngest daughter, whose turbulent life has been media fodder on more than one occasion, cried as she confessed that she lied to her mama "...that we would be okay. We didn't want you worry about us...but it will take a lifetime for us to be okay, because we miss you so much..." (or words to that effect - I was crying too, and fortunately alone)

The trip from cathedral to memorial park, which should have been less than an hour given that the roads were cleared of vehicular traffic and it was a special non-working holiday? Took eight hours. Eight hours, where people poured into the streets to show the family that they loved their mother, that they had not forgotten her sacrifices. To paraphrase the words used in turning over the flag on the coffin to her only son, a nation expressed its grateful appreciation for the distinguished service rendered to her country and her flag.

And so we laid her to rest, with the rites of the Catholic Church and military honors, beside her husband who gave his life for his country nearly two decades before.

Rest at last, Madam President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, otherwise known as our "Tita (Auntie) Cory". We'll take it from here, closing an era and setting our faces to the future, with the hope that maybe, this time, we can get it right again and make it stick.

Comments

[sharona1x2.livejournal.com]

From what I've read, she was a well loved lady. I hope she rests in peace.

[cindyg.livejournal.com]

I hope so too. You know that we have Presidential elections coming up in 2010? Well. Some crass and vulgar politicians were campaigning during the funeral procession and giving away freebies at the interment. *flails*

There are no words. But at least now I know, whom, out of 10 aspiring candidates, I will NOT be voting for.

[heartequals.livejournal.com]

That kind of grief is so beautiful to me -- she did seem to be very well loved. I hope you are doing alright.

[cindyg.livejournal.com]

I'm okay, thanks. :)

I have gone from mourning with the family to being highly indignant at the notion of some politicians using the event to get a head start on campaigning for the upcoming Presidential elections in 2010. No way am I voting for those candidates, believe me.

Because honestly, campaigning during a funeral procession? Giving away stuff at the interment? All to take advantage of the crowds? Is totally rude, crass, and vulgar, IMHO.

[caerfree.livejournal.com]

I heard about that. She sounded like an amazing individual.

[cindyg.livejournal.com]

She was. In the last few months of her life, she got royally indignant with our current president, who appears to want to extend her term in office and is willing to tinker with our Constitution to do so.

Pres. Cory's reasoning went something like this: Look, I stepped down when my term ended. My successor stepped down when *his* term ended. When the people threw out President Estrada, you took his last two years in office, then got elected on your own merit for a full six-year term of your own. Eight years is quite enough, please don't twiddle with the Constitution so you can find a way to stay in office longer!

Quite right and proper, to my way of thinking.

[weisshund.livejournal.com]

Would footwear-obsessed Imelda Marcos recive a state fuenral?

[cindyg.livejournal.com]

No, she never would. Never mind that the howls of rage that would break forth at the idea, but I can't recall a former First Lady ever getting a state funeral in this country. I think the most they got was an honor guard, and that's about it.

Now if she had died before Marcos, and while he was still in office, chances are her funeral would have been a huge production.