lola turns 89.

It's Lola's birthday today. :) Finally, she had a goodnight sleep yesterday so today she's expected to be back to her normal, jolly self. You see, my Lola has been sick for quite sometime. She had pneumonia and is showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. She was confined at the hospital twice, and since then, everything changed.

The pneumonia made her really weak--she can't do things on her own anymore, a fact that she really hates. My Lola is very independent. She likes being able to take care of her own needs and not bothering anyone to get things done. But that's impossible right now.

If pneumonia tore her physical health apart, the Alzheimer's messed up her spirit. It's really heartbreaking whenever she's having her usual "attacks". She will stay up for two consecutive days, won't eat, talk to herself, pick a fight with everyone she sees. She's tough to handle and if you don't have the patience, you'll definitely lose it.

But when she's normal, she's definitely endearing as always. I remember when she got back from the hospital, this was the first thing she asked from me:

Lola: Pangit na ba ako?
Me: Huh? Lola hindi 'no! Maganda ka nga ngayon eh, mas healthy na itsura mo compared before. Pumayat ka lang pero kain ka lang ng madami tataba ka ulit.
Lola: Asan na yung lalagyan ng cutix (nail polish)?
Me: Baket Lola, gusto mo lagyan kita ng nailpolish? Anong color gusto mo?
Lola: Red.

Lola and her red nails

She looks lovely, don't you think? I guess my love for fashion and beauty came from her. She loves to dress up, and hates it when people see her in her daster.

Now that she's 89 years old, I sincerely hope that she can fully recover from her sickness. I want her to be able to stand up again and do the things that make her happy--gardening, going to mass, and of course, dressing up and putting on makeup. Hehehe.

I love you, Lola! Happy happy birthday! :)