Orchids

My Aunt Hilda and Aunt Maria attended my Grandmother's wake in my stead. I instructed them to buy a wreath of orchids which were her favorite.

Once they got there, my Aunt recounted how the flowers were overflowing around my Grandmother's casket. There was no more room for my wreath.
Someone suggested that it be placed by the door.

My Grandmother's sister, Auntie Dee, intervened.
She said, " Hindi pwede. Galing yan sa paborito nyang apo. Alisin nyo yang bulaklak na galing kay Estrada. Ilagay nyo sa harapan nya. Importante yun para sa kanya."

When I heard about it this morning, I cried. My Grandmother always took pains to include me in the family even after my Dad left me and my Mom. I know I'll always have a place in her heart.