The end of spring and beginning of summer was such a mixed emotion for all of us in the family. First, Karen’s father suddenly became weak. She has to fly back home (to the Philippines). Then, came Jr’s parents 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration in Chatham, Ontario. Karen left for the Philippines with Kyle while Jr and Keshia drove down to Ontario for the occassion. God’s grace was overwhelming. He has kept us through.
Karen’s Dad Bid Goodbye…
It would have been a cheerful Father’s Day greeting turned out to be the last words Daddy would hear from Karen. The following day, Denny (Karen’s brother) called that Daddy’s health is getting serious. Jr and Karen have to book the cheapest and the soonest available flight to Manila. Brothers and Sisters in Christ from Grace Memorial United Baptist Church were very quick to help. Just before the close of the business day, Jr was able to get Karen and Kyle’s ticket for Manila. And left Fredericton Airport 5:20pm (day after Father’s Day). Karen and Kyle were able to have a brief stay in Chatham, Ontario before leaving for Vancouver en-route to Manila. They arrived in Manila Thursday morning, 24 hours after her Dad passed away.
Just two weeks before that, everyone (including Kyle) had a wonderful time talking to one another over the phone. Everyone was also excited looking forward for the family’s summer trip. But all of that changed after the Father’s Day call. Nandy Talampas was 65 years old. He and his wife (Merian) had served Bethany Homes, Inc.in most part of their lives. Denny (Karen’s brother) arrived in Manila a day after Karen arrived. Denny’s wife and her daughter followed a couple of days later.
Jr & Keshia’s brief ‘vacation’…
The much awaited summer trip went on. But Jr and Keshia were the only ‘vacationers’. Karen and Kyle had an unexpected ‘summer’ trip to the Philippines. Jr and Keshia had a long drive to Chatham, Ontario to join his parents on their 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration. Jr drove for over 17 hours. Keshia didn’t have any complaints during the trip since they had stocked up food supply in their car for the duration of the trip. Keshia had an opportunity to meet her cousins (all of them are girls) and uncles and aunts.
It was too bad that their trip to Sea World in Cleveland did not materialize because the sudden turn of events. But a visit to the African Lion Safari in Cambridge, Ontario was not a bad substitute. Jr and his former officemates went to African Lion Safari on Canada Day. It was an exciting time for everybody seeing safari animals up close (as in-your-face). They drove back to Fredericton the day after. Their driving time was shorten to about 13 hours since their starting point was Scarborough.
Karen and Kyle arrived in Fredericton on July 10 in the evening after a 22 hours trip from Manila. Kyle was sporting a new hair cut when he arrived. He told a lot of stories about airplanes and airports. As for the Mommy, she was just dead tired. It took them a few days to get over their jet-lag.
Mr & Mrs Emilio Ancheta, Sr Celebrates Their 40th…
Emilio and Pacita Ancheta added another milestone in their lives together by celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary this year, 1997. They got married on May 12, 1957. The celebration of this event was held on June 28, 1997 in Chatham, Ontario. Jr (and Keshia) and his brother in New Jersey drove over to Chatham for this week-end affair. Four of their five children came to celebrate with them. Relatives and friends went over to join this event. The rest of the late afternoon was spent catching up with one another in Landy and Annabelle’s (the host) backyard.
Thank You!
During the past months, there were a lot of people who helped us. First, GMUBC especially to the Philip & Ursula for helping us take the extra mile(s). Special mention to Rita and Fran for taking turns in sitting Keshia during Karen’s absence. Of course, Marjorie. How can I forget the cookies and the casserole. And also to our Filipino family friend Roland & Gina and their kids. Thank you for always ready to accomodate us. Maraming salamat din kina Toto at Estee at ang kanila mga bagito. Thank you for allowing us to sleep in your humble home (for two nights!). Thank Kuya Pete for helping Karen at the airport. She would have missed her flight without your assistance. Uncles and Aunts in Ontario, thank you for praying with us. My parents and my brothers and my sister-in-laws, thank you for supporting us.
And above all, our God. He is awesome!, He is good!