December 17, 2010

Christmas memories

Father’s sudden death unites his grieving family in the Philippines

By Dr. Lydia Abad (Special to The Criterion)

Dec. 13, 1983, is a memorable date for my family.

This was the day that my Mom and Dad flew back to the Philippines to take part in the nine-day novena called Simbang Gabi, an Advent custom which prepares Filipino Catholics for the birth of Jesus.

This starts on Dec. 16 at 4 a.m. with prayers and singing. After the Mass, the people enjoy delicacies at different houses.

I would have liked them to spend Christmas with us since the last one was 17 years ago. I really wished we were together.

Well, we were together later because on the flight home Dad suffered a fatal heart attack so our family spent the Christmas season with Mom in the Philippines.

(Dr. Lydia Abad is a member of St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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