THE wrinkles in their hands might appear to be the lines that took away their youth and the beauty that faded in time. But despite all the changes, the hair that gradually turned grey and the eyesight that eventually went blurred, memories still passed on and moments of the past became an infinite treasure. Their blood passes on to us and their stories seem like black and white films we imagine in our heads.
They are our grandparents and they deserve to be honoured.
One of these grandparents is Salvacion “Lola Salva” Balatayo who just turned 100-years old about four months ago. As a rare occasion, Lola Salva celebrated her birthday in the municipal hall where a lot of people came including her family, friends, and even members from local government units.
Lola Salva was born a century ago on May 20, 1918. Born in a humble home, she lived a very simple life. She lived in Dueñas where she married a farmer named Liberato Balatayo and had 8 children.
Lola Salva was a hardworking woman. To provide for her family, she would walk the whole day, every morning and afternoon, bringing Daily Double lottery with her. She would earn when the people won’t let her pass by without signing up for the Daily Double. Regardless of the heat of the sun and the anger coming from the rain, she would walk all across town just to earn money for her family.
Her hard work paid off when one of her children became a teacher and one became a priest. Reverend Father Romulo Serbas Balatayo shared about the memories he had with his mother.
He said that when he was seven years old, he would keep her company as they roam all over town to earn from the Daily Double bets. He also recalled that because of his mother’s sacrifices and hard work, he allowances during his high school years.
Lola Salva was also a woman who valued healthy living. She walked everyday and told her grandchildren that whenever there’s a chance to walk, they should walk. She was fond of walking. Her rounds for Daily Double were something she positively counted as a form of exercise. She also ate food with no vetsin and vegetables and fish became her favorites. On top of that, she didn’t have any vices.
Her children said that her healthy lifestyle helped her in reaching her 100th birthday. They proudly shared that Lola Salva may be a hundred years old but she can still talk and recall some memories. Aside from her slight knee pain, she is considered very healthy.
In her hundred years, Lola Salva may not have owned all the riches but the true riches she had were a legacy she passed on to her children.
Rev. Father Balatayo said that Lola Salva always reminded her children that no matter what happens, they should always draw nearer to the Lord. She also told them that kindness, a good heart, and a moral life is far more than all the riches combined in this world. For a true richness of a person is found in the pureness of his heart.
Lola Salva is a perfect example of a grandparent’s intangible legacy passed on to generations.
Although their skin have aging lines and the portraits they kept are far from what we see today, one look into their eyes and we know for a fact that they may be old, but their love for us is always young. It is always be./PN
