Lola
Lola, 2018
"Lola," means grandma in the Filipino language. Grandmothers are a special breed. If you were fortunate enough to grow up with an amazing one, you definitely know what I mean.
I grew up with two strong grandmothers. Lola Geling was my mother's mom. She was the ultimate homemaker. Wife to a very busy surgeon, she made sure to take care of anything and everything that my grandpa needed so that he can focus on work. She made wonderful dinners; took care of friends; was active in church ministry; and said many prayers that probably saved us young grandkids from certain death.
Since dishwashers were unheard of in the Philippines, Lola Geling taught me the "right" way of washing stuff in the kitchen. Of course, her "right" was subjective, but I obeyed. "Wash glasses first so you don't leave grease marks on the glass, then continue with silverware. Wash plates and bowls last as they are the dirtiest. Scrape the food off them well so it's easier to wash them." So to this day, despite the marvels of efficient dishwashers, I find myself loading glasses first and rinsing bowls and plates last before loading them in the dishwasher.
When we had sleepovers at Lola Geling's home, we were expected to make our beds after getting up. I never did this in my own home. Wasted effort, I thought. But when I started living on my own, I suddenly developed the habit of making my bed. I loved coming home from a busy day at work and seeing a neat and inviting bed.
The most important lesson that I learned from her is the value of service to others. I hated that lesson. For years, she would drill into me that whenever I am a guest, I need to make sure that I helped my host in any way I can, above and beyond what's necessary. "I want you to be welcomed and loved in any home. I do not want you to be an embarrassment," she would often say. Seriously, I developed a trauma on doing housework. In her home, not only do we make our beds, we had to clean our bathroom too. "Why does she even have a maid, if I'm expected to clean up?" I complained in my head.
But Lola Geling was right, "acts of service" became my love language and it's one that I've tried to teach my own sons. Yes, they didn't like experiencing the teaching part but I hope they would develop that love language as they grow older. For one thing, I want them to value their future wives and I want them to be helpful around the house. It's a life skill necessary in every relationship.
Lola Raquel was my father's mom. She wasn't the traditional grandmother by any means. Though she would never admit it, she was a trailblazer. She single-handedly raised my father in the 50s, built businesses, acquired land, and financially supported our struggling family. From her I saw firsthand the true meaning of living the Christian life. She exemplified humility. Only very few people knew that this seemingly small and frail woman had financial firepower aptitude. She built a four story building in the central business district of her city debt free. It took a few years, but she didn't want to owe anybody. Though she had the means to buy her own car and hire a driver, she happily used public transportation around the city. She was content in all things, always living below her means. In the summertime, she would tell me stories from the Bible over and over until I fell asleep. Most of all, Lola Raquel was generous. She gave and gave not only to people she loved but to anyone who needed help.
The most amazing thing that these two women gave me is the gift of Christianity. These grandmas prayed unceasingly and made sacrifices so that they could send my sister and me to Christian summer youth camps. Though I didn't grow up in church, those camps planted seeds that seemed so insignificant back then but had a huge impact in my adult life. I probably would have never known this amazing God that I serve if it weren't for my two grandmas.
Which brings me to this piece of artwork...I made this piece for my Aunt Dudi, a seasoned grandmother by her own right and fiercely loved by her grandkids. Aunt Dudi is not only a wife, mother, and grandmother; she is also a writer, artist, life coach, friend, and devoted sister among others. Lola Dudi has been continuously pouring her love and life lessons to those around her. Her grandkids are the luckiest receivers of her gifts. In this picture, she is represented by a hand and an intricate teapot. The octopus lid represents her many talents and the gold handle symbolizes her heart for others. The feet of the teapot is also painted in gold acrylic which represents the solid foundation that she has built in her own children. The tea cups are grouped together by family, with each cup representing a facet of each grandkid.
The first group of cups on the left represents Karmina's sweet kids. She has twin boys, Tiago and Tiano, whom she fondly calls her "Twin Towers" and a younger son, Teo, who loves dinosaurs. It's amazing how these boys display the truest sense of brotherhood. They play well together and collaborate in their adventures. These boys have each other's back.
The cups on the right represent Red's kids. His son, Rio, is super smart (think gifted) and is a prolific writer for someone so young. He's the red cup. Red's lovely daughter, Luna, is a very talented visual artist and dancer. She is represented by the purple cup. The gold sparkles are for her elegant sense of style.
At center stage are cups that represent Marika's children. Her charming daughter, Kamila, is an interior designer whose works have been published in various articles. Her son, Taro, is a Star Wars enthusiast so I drew Yoda's hand on his cup. And last, but certainly not the least, her youngest and equally beautiful daughter, Jedi, is a music lover - she gets the guitar cup.
While this piece is now in a new home, I dedicate this to all the Grandmas who’ve enriched the lives of their grandkids by pouring such tenderness with their cooking, storytelling, hugs, life lessons, and the sweetest kind of love that only grandmas can give.
Update: Since the making of this artwork, a delightful daughter named Tizia, has been added to Karmina’s brood. She was born during the pandemic year of 2020 and her beautiful spirit brought so much cheer in an otherwise dark year. I’d like to think that the cattleya orchid which was painted over three years ago was a joyful premonition for Tizia. Cheers to you my lovely one!