I feel sad, along with the people I knew who have lost family members due to Covid-19. I am sad for Marq, her son.
I met Manang Gigi in July of 1998. Fresh from the Philippines, she was one of those who welcomed us to America.
She talked a lot about Marq and asked me if I knew him. I knew him from afar because he was friends with my classmates and was a close friend of my little sister. By the way, back on the island, among 4 siblings, my little sister was the social butterfly.
I was just a fly on the wall, thinking that nobody noticed my existence in the social scene. hehehehe.
Jay stayed for a couple of weeks in California, but my 2-year old daughter, Yna, and I stayed for a month. Back then, like any family, relations between family members were tumultuous. I found myself caught in the turmoil.
Manang Gigi was the only person that I felt was neutral. There was no pressure to show loyalty to one side. She didn't want to discuss those things. There was peace when we were with her. She invited us to share meals she prepared or just to hang out. She loved to spend time with Yna and asked her to sing Bahay Kubo and Lupang Hinirang (the Philippine National Anthem).
When we flew to Maryland after a month, I lost contact with her. I only said hi and hello one time through her son Marq and a few times through a common friend, Mommy Lalang.
Manang Gigi, thank you for the time and the tranquil and neutral space you generously gave us back in 1998. I sincerely appreciated it.
Rest in peace, Gregoria "Gigi" Piscos - Mendez (January 4, 1939 - January 1, 2021).
