Chapter 14: Making a Mark

After the Christmas dinner, the family went to a sleepover at my house. We played games, told stories, and opened presents. And after all the children left the next day, I realized that my future is heading to a quite retirement.

However, after the dinner, Catherine approached me. “Mom, we’re running short,” was she said. “What,” I replied to her.

Her family was actually running out of money, as Arthur lost his job. Oh dear, then I remembered the graham cakes that I once sold before with none other than my daughter.

After telling Catherine how she helped me sell graham cakes when she was a baby and giving her some money to start her own graham cake business, she told me that she will give this a try.

After I cleaned the house that day, I visited Carlos’ grave, and told him about my experiences in Europe, including my friend Giorgio. Before I left the grave, I wished him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

If I were to ask myself, I don’t want to die without leaving a mark to the community. I’m now turning 60, and life is getting shorter and shorter.

Since my retirement, I always try to start a day attending mass in the church. Then, I would call my friend Giorgio, who would tirelessly tell about his errands for the day.

By the way, Catherine also called me one day, and I was quite happy to hear her news. Her graham cake business was booming, and I would love to remember how mine did when Catherine was still a baby.

But when I came back home, I dedicated myself to be of service in the church. I then became an ostiary, welcoming parishioners to the church three times a week.

Sometimes, I helped in the charity work of the parish, where I would cook meals, entertain the children, or help out in the distribution. It is fun serving, knowing that they are blessed through you.

Two years after, I’ve heard that Sally is pregnant. I will have another grandchild! And nine months later, Sally gave birth to a healthy girl.

It feels so blessed to be a grandmother to three good and adorable kids. My life still goes on, and I really enjoy being an ostiary and doing charity work.

Sometimes, Catherine requests me to accompany her daughter to school, and I always remember the smile on my granddaughter whenever she sees me. “If only Carlos were alive,” I always told myself.

I can say that together with my children’s in-laws, we became doting grandparents to our grandchildren. We took turns taking care of them, accompanying them to school, and buying them toys.

Three years later, I have seen yet another round of blessings and tragedies. Catherine was finally pregnant again, and the parish’s charity project I’m serving had received recognition from the city.

However, a call from Giorgio’s number had informed me of his passing. He was one of my close friends, but now I can’t attend his funeral because it was far away. His daughter, who informed me of his passing, told me that he was very thankful for our friendship.

And if this couldn’t get any better, I collapsed while attending a Sunday mass, and I remember the same thing that happened to my mother almost 25 years ago.

Unlike 25 years ago, my family wasn’t there when I collapsed, and I was very grateful for my neighbor, who was so kind to bring me to the hospital.

Hours later, Junior and his family finally visited me in the hospital, telling me that he was sorry that he wasn’t by my side. After I reassured him I was fine, I realized a sad truth. My health is starting to fail me, and the following years of my life seem bleak to me.