The day after

The day after Tatay's burial, we went to Sarangani Highlands to tour close friends of my mother who visited Mindanao for the first time. Seeing the beauty of God's creation in our quiet, peaceful nook in Southern Philippines was a balm to our grief.



From the garden we saw Sarangani Bay.



Colorful shrubs grew in the garden.





Because of the heat, the "senior citizens" opted to stay inside the air-conditioned restaurant. From left: Uncle Rene, my mother, Auntie Cecil, and Tita Mimi.



We're grateful for these friends who spent time with us, giving us Christian comfort, during quite possibly the most difficult moment of our lives. From left: Uncle Rene and Auntie Cecil Jamison, Tita Hearty Cataluña, Auntie Liza Dayot, my mother, Tita Mimi and Uncle Nani Bañares. Photo was taken in our living room.