A Son's Goodbye

Below is the eulogy Mama's eldest son, Froy Dizon wrote and read for our dearest Mama:

I’d like to begin by acknowledging everyone that are gathered here today to help celebrate the life of our dear mother Agripina, Auntie Piring to other family members, and or simply as “Mama” to those very close to her.

All us of have a story to share on the life of my mother. I’d like to share a few of those memorable moments in no particular order of importance:

• During my second year with the Catholic School, I managed to get kicked out in the middle of the semester due to insubordination. Mama was not thrilled, but she found another school I can temporarily attend as I went through the transition. I couldn’t be happier; I was the smartest kid in the class of “C” students!
  

• As the authoritarian, she will not allow us to hang out late with friends, so the few times I managed to sneak out I got busted! One time she ran her finger on my arm, leaving a white streak and then blurted out, “You went swimming!” I thought I was doomed!

• I think I was in 4th grade and I was seeing this girl in our class. My teacher thought I was getting too involved and in order to get my mother’s attention, she lowered my grades (but wrote it in pencil). Sure enough, the next day Mama came marching straight to the principal’s office and the next thing I knew she was talking to the girl while we were standing in line before the school started! Needless to say I was labeled a “Mama’s Boy” from that day on.
  

• When I got married at a young age, Mama was there to offer her support and understanding.
  

• I remember the first time she taught me how to cook. She had on patches covering her eyes and between the sizzling of the steak, and the fan I couldn’t hear her. So I dragged her closer, but forgot she couldn’t see and she ended up on the floor on her rear end! Shocked, I couldn’t say anything but then I laughed. She cursed me out, but then laughed with me.
  

• We took Mama just about everywhere we went: Las Vegas, San Francisco, Mexico, local casinos, weddings, birthdays and many special events. It’s always been an on-going joke with close friends that if you invite me, you need to include Mama too.
  

I’d like to think that with the help of my siblings (Thelma, Tessie, Ging, Bott, Connie, and Anthony), in-laws, grandchildren, cousins and friends, and most especially my wife Maria and 3 beautiful daughters that we had filled her life with unconditional love and affection.

Most of all without Mama’s love, support and understanding I will not be where I am today.

Again, to all our relatives and friends who are here with us today especially to our extended family in San Francisco and those that could not be with us, thank you for your prayers and support.

Lovingly, Froy