When I found out that Lola was in the hospital, I didn't think much of it because Lola was often in and out of the hospital, and she always was able to get better. She was a fighter, the strongest woman I know. She fought through the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, she raised 5 successful and loving children, including my dad, which was a fight in itself, and she fought through cancer at the same time of Lolo's rapid decline. When we were young, we frequently visited Lolo and Lola in their home in Palo Alto. I have fond memories of picking up leaves to use as stencils and stamps for our paint projects. She always had a large stack of construction paper and a never-ending supply of paint. Lola also loved playing card games. She was a pro at Jin Rummy and Uno. She is the reason why us La Guardias have a fun, competitive spirit, as you would know if you have ever witnessed us play Majong until 5 o clock in the morning. Many of you know that Lola was also an amazing baker. I remember whenever I would visit, she would always make sure to fill the refrigerator with ramekins of my favorite dessert, crème brûlée, and she would make leche flan without complaints, no matter how tedious the recipe. I realize now that Lola did all these things, the food, the games, the paint projects, not just because she loved us, but to keep our family close. She is the reason why Sean, Todd, and I are so close to Tita Mina, Tita Annie, Tito Larry, and now Tita Baby, who I consider not only my aunts and uncle but also my friends and confidants. She is the reason why I treat Jessica and all my cousins like my own siblings. She is the glue that bound our family together and the reason I value my family more than anything. One of my favorite things that Lola did was write letters to me. I keep all of Lola’s letters in a box, and I remember every time I received a new one, I would laugh as I tried to decipher her delicate handwriting, and was always amazed by how good her English was. Her last letter I received in the mail was this past January. I was in the hospital for dehydration during pregnancy and she was also in the hospital after a fall. Her letter read: “Dear Theresa Sorry to hear that you were brought to the E.D. It’s just like me, but because of a fall. I don’t know why I fell, my knees are very weak. So far not much damage. I pray that you get well soon, we don’t feel that our life is always like that. Best regards to you and best wishes. I love you. Love always, Lola.” Even at her sickest, she was thinking of others. This is how my Lola always was. Selfless, generous and giving even to the undeserving, loyal to her family and friends, the perfect wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. I wish I had written her more letters in return so that she truly knew how much I thought about her and how much I loved her. When Gracelyn was born, Tita Lily told me that Gracie looks just like Lola Tina. I see Lola in Gracie and I know that Lola’s spirit is still with us, watching over us and keeping our family safe. I love you Lola, this is not goodbye, I will one day see you again.