Originally posted on Facebook, 10/19/20
I wanted to save this on my blog so that this wouldn’t get lost on Facebook.
Last week, as I was prepping my Pensacola Mom Collective article highlighting Filipino American History month for social media promotion, I started digging up old pictures and reminisced about old friends and family members. I stumbled upon a couple of videos that showcased my mom’s family’s traditional Igorot dances. I compiled clips of the dances and put them together in a fun short video and planned to share to Instagram and Facebook today. In the videos, you’ll see a lot of my very lively family members, but in particular, you’ll see my Auntie Julia (who I guess is technically my cousin) in the first dance and then again around 2:40 beckoning people to join in on the festivities.
That is significant, because on Saturday, my mom told me that my Auntie Julia was just diagnosed with terminal cancer and that the doctors were saying she wouldn’t have long to live. This morning, I learned she passed away. 
As shocking and as unexpected as it was facing this news, the Lord was gracious in that she didn’t suffer very long. And I’m thankful she is now with the Lord.
Auntie Julia was always super upbeat and exuded joy— it’s super obvious watching the video. I remember when I was a little kid, she was always a good sport playing with me and Tim. We were always really excited to hear that we’d be visiting her in Toronto and vice versa. She came down for my wedding and Tim’s. She made sure to visit my mom when she was sick in the Philippines while she was also there visiting. Thinking back, that visit was completely a God thing because that happened right as the worldwide lockdown began and it was becoming nearly impossible to travel anywhere. He knew it would be my parents last time to see her on this earth. Only God.
All of this to say— life is short. Take the pictures and the videos. Make the memories. Let go of petty grievances. Live fully. And most importantly, know Christ and know His peace.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”— John 14:6
In memory of Julia Martin.
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