Garding

By Eden Po

This is not a story of an old lady who saved the world but rather a memento of a beloved woman who captured many hearts.

By Eden Po

This is not a story of an old lady who saved the world but rather a memento of a beloved woman who captured many hearts.

Mrs Lutgarda T. Bayona, a woman unfamiliar to most of you, passed away on 21 October 2005. She was a bride of Christ in words and deeds.
Mrs Bayona was a teacher by profession. She had been assigned to many schools around Himamaylan City and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. I was not around then when she was teaching a great number of students, but I know she did a wonderful job, as seen in the lives of her beloved children and grandchildren.

‘Ma’am’, as many called her, was very active in our parish church. She was one of the leaders of the Legion of Mary (www.legion-of-mary.ie) who did good works and inspired many people. She was also one of the officers with great responsibility in the Catholic Women’s League. She really gave a great deal of her time serving other people.

I was awed by her unique strength. Age didn’t really matter to an old woman like her because the love of Jesus consumed her heart. The distribution of copies of
Misyon was one of her responsibilities. She went from one place to another to deliver it to subscribers.

She also helped in sending students to the seminary. She asked and collected donations from generous people so that the seminarians might continue their studies. She loved to do a lot of these charity works even with her weak knee.

Garding’s death doesn’t really mean her loss because she started a legacy worthy of being honored and followed. Her influence, examples, ideas and values will live on no matter how far into the future.
Her death calls for a reunion not only of our family but also of her friends and fellow Binalbaganons. The reunion she once planned wasn’t disregarded. She made a call, we answered. Her love will always continue to flow in our hearts.

Mrs Lutgarda T. Bayona, my grandmother, created a journey of no boundaries for my generation. I am so blessed to live the life that I have and my lola helped pave the road for my family and me.

You may email the author at mecbp24@yahoo.com.