Actress Iza Calzado honored the memory of her departed mom Mary Anne Ussher and dad Lito Calzado as she marked the 20 years that has passed since she lost them.
Calling last month a “sweet November,” Calzado paid a subtle tribute to her parents in her Instagram page yesterday, Dec. 1.
“It’s been 20 years since my mother left this world and 10 years since my father followed her in heaven. I normally post photos of loved ones to honor them yet somehow no photo of theirs could represent how I see and feel them in my life now,” she said, her post accompanied by a short video of the sky.
“As I was lying down looking up at the clouds, watching birds fly by, I knew then that they were with me. That’s how I experience their presence now — through the beautiful gifts of nature, opportunities given to me and people sent to my life that help me along the way,” the actress shared.
“I feel connected to them now more than ever. Perhaps it’s because, as the years pass, with life’s ups and downs, I have a better understanding of them and the choices they made along the way,” she explained.
While she acknowledged that her mom and dad “weren’t perfect people” and neither is she, she marveled at “how perfectly it all came together, the joy and sorrow, the pain and pleasure and all that love that held it together.”
“My mother and father were perfectly chosen by God to help me in my evolution. What a gift,” she realized. “Until then, I will live life knowing that you’re both near, watching over me, supporting me along the way. Thank you for everything.”
Calzado’s mom suffered from depression and took her own life, while her dad died of liver cancer. JB
The Philippine Department of Health has said that every case of suicide is a tragedy that can be avoided. Thus, people who feel that they may be suffering from mental health problems and need help may call Hopeline hotlines:
- 804-HOPE (4673)
- 0917-558-HOPE (4673), or
- 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers)
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