Knowing Wimpy these last ten years has been a blessing. She has taught me a lot of things. To us, Grade One teachers, and to those who have had the opportunity to work with her, not only is she a friend, she was also a mentor who pushed us to our limits. She was one who did not settle for mediocrity. She expected only the best from us – did not matter how simple the task was, for as long as it was done with all our heart. She was a true embodiment of the spirit of MAGIS. Give, until it hurts. St. Ignatius could have used her as model for his Prayer of Generosity if they only lived in the same generation…to give and not to count the cost…to toil and not to seek for rest…to labor and not to ask for any reward…That was Wimpy…that was what she was all about.

She was a picture of total surrender. All these years I’ve known her, all her major decisions in life were based on deep prayer and discernment. She had complete trust that God would lead her in the right way, as we all saw during the last few days she was with us. Her failing health was source of strength to a lot of us; her ailing body was a source of courage to those who care for her dearly. For all these, Wimpy, I thank you.

During the times when you were at your weakest, you were strongest. When I talked to you at St. Luke’s, you promised you were going to win this one. If winning this one meant for us to totally surrender to God just like you did, then, you surely have won. If winning this one meant for us to thank God no matter what, then you surely have won. If winning this one meant that all the more we now realize how we love and appreciate your presence in our lives, then you surely have won. If winning this one meant that we need to live our lives with the needs of others in mind, then, indeed, you surely have won.

Thank you, my dearest friend for all the fondest memories. You are the best friend anyone could have. You listened when I needed to talk. But more importantly, you listened when I did not have anything to say. You had a ready opinion on things and yet, you made me feel I was respected for what I believed in. You cared so much that you gave up so much of yourself. The song “Wind Beneath My Wings” has always seemed a cliché until these last few days. You were indeed the wind beneath my wings. I will have to start to fly alone now.

I will sorely miss you. Your insights and view on things. Your jolog jokes. Your ready answers to my doubts. The soothing comforts you gave to my aches. The love you gave. The presence you have in my life. It is indeed a very deep loss. But my loss, painful as it is, is heaven’s gain. Go now, my friend, where you belong; with the angels and saints; with Lola and Perk. I trust that you will continue to look after us and guide us to where we should go. I love you.


Len is one of Wimpy's best friends. She taught in Xavier Grade School from 1995 to 2001. She is now based in Gardena, California.

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