Pieces of April

With April just over, the song title came to my mind.  I grew up with this song in my youth.  Just found it on Youtube and it made me smile.  

April was an ordinary month, marked only by the death of a beloved uncle, Rufino Soliano.  

He was the eldest in a family of nine children and the only sibling who was older than my dad, who also passed away almost twenty-seven years ago.  

When I reconnected with Uncle Rufi, after too many years of not meeting up, the bond was instantaneous for me. Whether we realise it or not, it's the blood that we share.  

I will miss him and every time I hear this beautiful song, I shall think of him.  

Hands!

This exhibition touched me in a personal way for two reasons.  The main being that my uncle Rufino Soliano was featured as one of the Singaporeans who made a contribution to his country.  On another note would be that many of us still practise the Filipino culture of the young taking hold of the elder person's hand to kiss, upon meeting and greeting, as a form of deep respect.  Hence, this showcase of Hands is very meaningful.  From looking at the people who were there, it was plain to see that many were surprised to have been remembered.  For this reason alone, it is worth it.

Rufino Soliano is the patriach of the family and this word is used because he is the oldest of five brothers (Rufino, Antonio, Francisco, Mauricio and Maximo).

Last night as I went to bed, some words were twirling around and this morning I sat at my computer to write this before I forget any of it.

One of the notes from the
Memo Pool at the National Library

His Hands!

These are the hands

that conducted bands

in many foreign lands

These are the hands

that make amends

when no one understands

These are the hands

that have the strands

of love for all his friends

These are the hands

whose love withstands

in all of God's real plans

These are Rufino's hands!

Rufino in his Godfather's role!