it took me over ~ a year and a half to post this. it takes time to heal.

today, with the full moon day, i honor my mentor, friend, ‘mom’, Aurora Fernandez and Pam Mallillin, my sister-in-law by marriage.

deciembre 2012

a week before our first carving workshop 12/15-17/12

i decided to shave my head to honor Nang Aurora and Ate Pam. in support, Holly Calica, also shaved her head. During a small gathering of women at home, a ritual was done before the shaving of the locks. they said i looked peaceful like a monk as the locks were expertly shaven by Debbie Santiago, Washoe~Pilipino.

a week after the carving workshop, winter solstice 2012

we made water offerings with half of the long curly locks to the waters of the Washoe people in Lake Tahoe (where the gifted log came from). I donated the other half to an organization that makes wigs for children with cancer.

the beginning of balik sa dagat bangka journey’s weekend long carving workshop with philip h red eagle began with solemnity, gratitude, love, community, and peace. we continue to celebrate life and we continue to build together. daghang mabuhay po! i shall always remember you and cherish you both.

Aurora Fernandez, R.N., Public Health Nurse

Many of her works and accomplishments are not mentioned, including years of service at South of Market and Southeast Health Centers in San Francisco, as well as Manila Town Senior Center. She worked to provide healthcare to folks who could not afford it within the system in both the USA and in the Philippines. Information to donate to the visayas primary health care services is shown in the photo. Aurora was a mentor, a mom, a woman, Bisayan in America, a teacher, a friend. Cherished Memories in PHN: Manang Aurora organized, at one of our brown bags session during lunch break, about Philippine culture and dissonance to fellow public health nurses in the east bay area.