Lessons from Tita Nor

Allow me to be different today as I pay tribute to someone really special to me. My Tita Nor. Leonor Serfino Cruz turns diamond on May 31. Let me share with you some of the gems I have gained with the hope that you too may pick a stone or two.

She was my number one fan when it came to letters. It was through her that I realized I knew how to write and my missives became my first attempt at narrative prose. 

She gave me the example of a pampering aunt. And it is from her that I got the “Tita-Nephew or Tita-Niece dates” that I practice today when I allocate time for my nephews and nieces on one-on-one moments to know how they’ve been and what they want to be or simply share tender moments about how to approach life over a bowl of steaming hot batchoy.

With her Ilongo lilt, Tita showed me how to be gentle even when angry and how the inflection in the voice or change of tone would alter the entire intent of a well-meaning reprimand. It is hard to emulate but there is wisdom in it.

It is from Tita that I also gained the practice of placing worth above price, quality above brand, and need above the lure of sales. That it is better to keep one’s money in the bank than too many clothes lying on the bunk. 

From her I learned that it is important to pay attention to the changes that happen around and to listen to the changes within.

Tita who is a chemist, taught me that the true chemistry occurs when love brings out the best in another and when that ultimate result of self sacrifice is not a sacrifice at all when done voluntarily for the joy of the heart.

She told me that marriage is an important union and that its failure is not a doom bestowed on everyone. That its occurrence is a statistic and that success in marriage is a result of the union of three and not just two.

She exemplified an in-law. Not being my aunt by blood but aunt by bond. With her I saw that we need not be bound by consanguinity to meet.   That ties are made easily if two hands draw to link the two ends of the string.

Ultimately, Tita Nor has shown me that faith is not for one to show, but for others to see God alive in you.

God Bless You Tita and Happy Birthday!