A tribute to Nanay

She was there again, on the same seat, in front of the same television set, deep in the night--one old woman who must hang on steadily to her faith although each moment brings her painfully close to her life's end. That scene will doubtless become one of the pervasive images of my own old age. But for now, to me, she is a gallant soul, thankful for the little joys that crown a hard, misunderstood existence.

And for the happiness of once again feeling one with grieving Catholics all over the world, and especially in the Rome she may never see--her eyes now fading--I must thank the wonder of satellite transmission ... Long ago, I gave up ... rituals that had become extraneous to my very own personal faith. But those rituals may be essential to other people. And when television serves the interests of the many as well as the few, those who need the comfort of the rituals as well as those who hold on only to the strength of faith, then television is performing what we believe should be its ideal role in contemporary society--as the foremost instant chronicler of the rituals and actions of our time.

-- NBT

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"Impressions," TV Times, 15-21 October 1978

Dear Family and Friends,

It has now been a year since Nanay left us. For the family, that year has been truly eventful. It has been an eye-opener, a valuable learning experience.

Many times, we have had to draw on the strength that your presence during her last days lent us. As our family remembers her on Saturday, we also wish the occasion to be our way of saying "Thank you!" to you for holding our hand, offering prayers, bidding her goodbye, and simply being there.

A Mass will be said for her and for those we love who are now with her--Tatay and Ate--at 6 p.m. at our residence. Dinner will be at 7 p.m. Please join us in paying special tribute to her.

-- NBT
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31 July 1991