I have never really known my grandfather. He was there when I was born and all throughout. He wasn't my REAL grandfather. He's my REAL grandfather's brother, my mom's uncle, but he was a constant presence in our lives. During occassions such as birthdays, or whatver, you'd expect him to be there. Not really expect, but you'd just know he'll be there.

His name was Isaac. He was what you'd call the blacksheep of the family. My mom said that he wasted all his money on gambling when he was younger. He never prioritized his children's education so now all they know how to do is sew. The live in a restllement area where it's always dusty and the air has a certain "scent." The house where they live is just a small house with dirt floor and there were no wall partitions. The bedroom is also the kitchen.

I don't know if I liked him...But he always smiles at me when he sees me looking at him. And he always greets me when he's at our house. He was constantly at our house. He would ask for food, sit for a few minutes then leave. That's it. All he wants is food. Mom says that at their place they didn't have anything to eat, just rice porridge. His children doesn't seem to have any dreams at all. They seem contented with the dirt floor and the rice porridge.

A month ago he came to our house and complained of severe stomach pains. Mom asked if his children brought him to the doctor. He said no. He said they didn't have any money to afford a doctor. Mom rushed him to the hospital. The doctor advised biopsy. Last week the results came in. It was what we dreaded. Cancer.

Last Sunday, mom asked me to go to the church's office and ask for a mass. I didn't want to go. I was still sleepy. It was 8AM. Mom insisted. I said I'll do it tomorrow. She kinda got mad. I also got mad at her for disturbing my slumber. But I went anyway.

This morning, Grandpa Isaac finally found peace... At first I didn't really believe it. That he won't be coming over and ask for food. That he won't be coming over anymore and comment on my weight (he's weight conscious). At least, I thought, he won't feel the pain anymore...

Goodbye gramps...