Bessie Larena Ponce de Leon — The world just lost one of its most beautiful people. The heavens may be joyfully singing with choirs and cherubs welcoming their Angel back home, but down here on earth, we are all stricken with grief. It’s a hard fact to accept. I had lost a ‘mother’. A lot of us did. A selfless woman of compassion, patience, strength, courage, integrity, love…and so much more. I really could go on, but words are enough to express the magnitude of the loss we must all endure. It is true that God does not give us more than we can handle. Having birthed two children — my mom Menka and my Tito Popong — this supermom played her role for so many of us — from Papa Dino, Papa Desi, Tita Angela, to me and my sister Enia, and later to Tito Butchokoy, Tito John, Tita Carmel, Papa Rey and Tita Angelique. She was always there for anything and everything, she was there for everyone. Never a dull companion, our mom would be quick to join us for nights of laughter and good fun. She was always smiling, she was always trying to make people as happy as she was — and when times called for it, she was firm, yet inimitably understanding. She was a tremendously wonderful person. I don’t think any living being could have done what she did. Her huge heart made so many things possible for us. She raised so many of us to be who we are today. I am thankful to have been blessed with such a kind, sweet, and not to mention, extremely fun woman for a mother. You can ask anyone. They can tell you hundreds of stories about our Mama Bessie –and not one of them could tell you anything bad about her. That’s just who she was, an unbelievably beautiful woman who knew how to give love. I remember all of us spontaneously gathered in Bantayan a few weeks back. Papa Dino, Papa Rey; both my moms — Mama Menka and Mama Bessie, spending a night of reminiscing and drinking together. I remember the stories about how Mama Bessie took care of everyone, how she was always there for anybody in need. Tita Bulelang and Tito Darl were with me and Papa Jorge at lunch, too, reminiscing to days of their adventures all over the country, celebrating life, and enjoying wonderful moments together.
Passing at her tender age of 68, it feels as though Mama Bessie hadn’t aged a day past 50. Even my friends and relatives my age would agree that Mama Bessie hadn’t aged one bit. It’s an unreal experience, having to see her go. She is, and will forever be, sorely missed. Everybody has such beautiful memories of her, and with her. It makes me happy to know she lived a full life. She got to see the world, she got to enjoy her beers and cigarettes, she got to have so much fun with her babies (and yes, I mean all of us). I guess I just don’t want to admit the fact that this is it. I still hope that this is all a bad dream I can wake up from. But the bitter truth is that it’s not. We will all heal and accept this pain eventually. But there will never be a day when she will not be missed. Mama Bessie, I love you so much. You are so beautiful, and the world loves you just as much as we do. Enjoy paradise, and thank you for giving us the best gift of all — the unconditional and undying love of a mother. Until I see you again, Mom. I love you.
