shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
This weekend, our sweet niece/cousin Penelope got a haircut. It wasn't just any haircut, but it was actually having her hair shaved off by her Dad, Josh. She of course looks beautiful!
Having your hair shaved sometime between the ages of one and two years old is a bit of a family tradition for Rabuy children. Although only a handful of Rabuy kids have taken part in this tradition, it's a very memorable event. And it makes me think of Cindy.
Among our five sisters, Cindy was the only one who had her hair shaved as a toddler. I have a distinct memory of a photo of Cindy with her fuzzy head, post-shave. Her mouth and eyes were open wide, with her eyebrows raised, as if to say, "Hey, look at me!"
Andrew and I decided to shave both Cynthia's and Ava's hair, just after their first birthdays. I know part of our motivation was to honor Cindy. And it's a fond memory that I will always treasure.
So thank you Theresa, Josh and Penelope for keeping the tradition alive, and for sharing your lovely photos with all of us.
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Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend our cousin Bernadette's graduation from UCLA Law School. Our whole family is so proud of her achievement, and are excited for all that she'll accomplish in the future.
I hadn't been back to UCLA in a few years. It's always very nostalgic being back on campus, and bittersweet as well. There's countless fond memories, but also sadness knowing that Cindy didn't get the chance to move on to the next stages of her life after completing her degree.
After the graduation ceremony, a few of us walked down the hill to the middle of campus, to visit the meeting room that had been named in Cindy's honor. A previous entry describes when Andrew and I took the girls to see it back in 2016.
I was happy that more of our family members had a chance to also visit the space. And it's touching to know that Cindy's memory and spirit are kept alive in a special spot on the UCLA campus.
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Today is Cindy's heaven anniversary, which is always a bittersweet day for our family. It's been 16 years since Cindy went to heaven, and we miss her every day.
My Dad and I attended mass at the Cathedral in Oakland; one of our aunts had offered the mass in Cindy's memory. It was a lovely mass, with a kind and caring priest celebrating, who also happened to pronounce our family's last name correctly during the mass intentions.
After mass, I lit a candle, and knelt for a few minutes in one of the little prayer alcoves on the side of the church. As I looked down, I saw an image on the decorated wall that looked like an intertwined "C" and "R". Although I don't know the religious significance of the image, it undoubtedly made me think of Cindy.
Later in the afternoon, we went to the cemetery, and Fiona tagged along for the first time. As I was driving home, I had a random thought, which connected back to the "C and R". It may sound a little cheesy, but the words "celebration and remembrance" came to mind. And celebrating Cindy's life and always remembering her is what I'll keep doing every day.
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Happy 39th Birthday Cindy!!
As part of honoring Cindy on her birthday, a few of us got together for a late lunch, and then drove to visit the cemetery. Arlene, Cyn Cyn and Ava also made a stop at Michael's to get some new flowers.
They ran into some traffic on the way from Michael's to the cemetery, and those of us who went ahead were concerned that the gates would be closed before they arrived. Fortunately, they stayed open just long enough for them to join us for a short prayer and to sing Happy Birthday.
Tita Linda, who's visiting from the Philippines for the holidays, had the lovely idea to put the older flowers around the sides of the tombstone. Some other friend or family member (we're not sure who) had brought a beautiful bouquet of fresh pink flowers too.
I talk to Cyn Cyn and Ava about their Tita Cyn fairly often, letting them know about little things that remind me of her. Specifically this week, there was more than one occasion when the girls and I were rocking out, singing loudly along with the songs playing in the car. I always think of Cindy in those moments, and the girls know it.
Earlier this month, Ava and I were talking about Tita Cyn, and I let her know that they would have gotten along so well, and really would have enjoyed each other. She responded by saying something along the lines of, "Ya, she sounds like she was really cool." And Ava's right!
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While at UCLA, Cindy served on USAC, the Undergraduate Student Association Council. She was elected to the position of Financial Supports Commissioner. Previous posts have discussed her involvement in USAC, and with several student groups at UCLA.
This election season reminded me of the time we spent campaigning for Cindy when she ran for office. Andrew painted her signboard, and helped with the signboards for several of her friends who were part of her "slate". I know she would have continued her involvement in public policy, and activism within the community, once she finished her degree at UCLA.
Just walking the dog around the neighborhood and seeing all the campaign lawn signs made me reflect on the idea that Cindy could have definitely run for some form of public office at some point after college. I'm a registered voter, and try to stay aware of current events and issues. But I realize now that becoming even more aware, and ideally more active, is yet another way to honor Cindy's memory.
shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
Last Sunday, Cyn Cyn received the gift of the Holy Spirit by celebrating her Confirmation. Our parish was doubly blessed because the Bishop was the mass celebrant, and it was also the Feast of Pentecost.
Just a few weeks ago, I happened to come across an old photo of Cindy's Confirmation too, held 22 years ago. She and her fellow candidates were also lucky enough to have the Bishop celebrate their mass.
I'm so grateful that Cyn Cyn has successfully completed the Confirmation process. It's reassuring to know that she'll not only have the Holy Spirit as a source of guidance throughout her life, but also her Tita Cyn and all our loved ones in heaven as well.
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Fifteen years ago today, Cindy went to heaven. It's hard to believe it's been that long.
During our traditional family gathering in her remembrance, our parents brought a collage that was made up of the different newspaper articles and columns that were written when she passed away.
It's so heartwarming to be reminded of how Cindy's life touched so many people. We take a little extra time to think of her at this time of year, on her Heaven Anniversary; but we still miss her every single day.
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For Christmas, Arlene gave the girls a few adorable Scump items, including a coin purse, key holder, ring, key chain, magnet and lanyard. For those unfamiliar with Scrump, she's Lilo's homemade doll from the movie Lilo and Stitch.
Cindy had a Scump doll that is one of our most cherished possessions, included in the photo below, and described in this previous post. It's so sweet to see the girls have an affection for Scump as well, knowing and feeling that it's yet another connection to their Tita Cyn.
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Happy new year! The holidays are always bittersweet, enjoying time with family, but also missing Cindy and other dearly departed loved ones.
As mentioned in the previous post, we were happy to share in a cousins' gathering for Cindy's birthday. There were around 20-25 us in our little house and we all sang "Happy Birthday Cindy!" while the kids blew out the candles.
Just wanted to share another photo, this time of the candles. Photo credit to my cousin Adam who was visiting from the Philippines.
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Happy 38th Birthday Cindy!
To celebrate Cindy's birthday, we hosted a joyful cousin gathering at our house. Much like Cindy's Heaven Anniversary in April of this year, we asked cousins to join us for a family game night.
We didn't play as many board games this time around, but we ended up watching the Warriors game instead. As a basketball player and fan, Cindy wouldn't have minded the minor shift in the evening's festivities.
A new activity that we incorporated this year was cupcake decorating. Earlier in the day, Ava and I baked a few dozen cupcakes and mini cupcakes, in chocolate fudge and fun-fetti flavors. Carla took the lead on frosting them, and cousins took turns decorating them. Below are a few examples of some of the fun creations.
As we wrapped up our evening, I was touched by how many family members had taken the time to specifically remember Cindy today. Even those cousins who couldn't join us sent heartfelt texts about how they were thinking of Cindy, had gone to mass, or visited the cemetery.
I also reflected on how much our family has grown throughout the years, adding more kids and welcoming new spouses and significant others. It's amazing to know that there are so many more people who are learning about Cindy, through her family and friends; and everyone's thoughtfulness just continues to keep her memory alive and strong.
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Last Saturday, our family adopted a dog. Ava has been asking for a dog to join our family since she could talk, and we were lucky enough to find a sweet, mellow, adorable dog named Fiona at the Alameda Animal Shelter. She is the perfect fit for us.
Considering how perfect a match Fiona is for our family, I am certain that Cindy had a hand in bringing Fiona into our lives. Much like Nanook was Cindy's dog, Fiona is especially connected to Ava; they're like two peas in a pod.
In many ways, having a family dog is another way to keep Cindy's memory alive everyday.
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Over the weekend, we had a chance to watch the Broadway musical version of Disney's The Little Mermaid. We were an enthusiastic group of 16 theater go-ers, that included sisters, husbands, daughters, cousins and close family friends.
Like most of the Rabuy and Pesigan cousins, Cindy loved Disney movies (animated musicals especially), and Broadway musicals. I know she was there with us in spirit. I think she's thrilled to know that her family is continuing her musical theater appreciation, and successfully passing it on to her nieces.
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We have a few photos of Cindy around the house. Just wanted to share one of her and VJ that we keep on our piano. VJ shared another photo like this in her post about embroidery floss. So cute!
shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
On my birthday this year, Ava gave me a beautiful origami flower. I treasure and adore any gift from my girls, but was especially impressed with Ava when she told me that she thought of the flower idea, looked for something online, and found the "how-to" for it all on her own.
Cindy would be so proud of Ava's initiative and for continuing the origami tradition. I wouldn't be surprised if Cindy planted a little seed of inspiration in her niece's mind.
My cousin Jayne saw the flower when she was visiting one day, and asked Ava if she would come over to teach her how to make them, so they could be used as wall decorations for her apartment. Ava happily agreed.
So yesterday, the girls and I spent some time at Jayne's place folding flowers. Our other cousin Adam, who's living in the Philippines right now, happened to be home to attend a friend's recent wedding; so he joined us for our "flower workshop".
Thank you Cindy for continuing to spark our creativity and for being an inspiration for more fun family time!
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Cindy and Andrew had a truly wonderful relationship. She sincerely considered him as a big brother, and he looked out for her as his younger sister.
Recently, Andrew came across this photo of the two of them. It was taken during Christmas one year, although unfortunately I don't remember exactly which year. It's so sweet to see them smiling together.
shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
I'm honored to say that a few of our family members and friends proudly took part in the Womens March in Oakland this weekend, one of the sister marches to the Womens March on Washington. It was a fantastic experience for all, filled with incredible energy and an empowering sense of community.
If Cindy were here, she would have undoubtedly been at the March with us. She could very well have been at the one in Washington DC. Being at the March made me think of Cindy, and reminded me of times while we were at UCLA when she was involved in similar movements and campaigns.
I know that Cindy was smiling down proudly on all of us - not just our family and friends, but on the millions of people coming together to stand up for issues that are important to us.
[Special thanks to Tita Ria for taking the photo below and sharing it!]
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Happy 37th Birthday Cindy!
In what has become our family's tradition on Cindy's birthday, we all got together for a birthday party in her honor. Although we didn't order pizza this time, we made some "sushi bake", shared in an ice cream cake and played games.
Earlier in the day, many of us attended the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) at Saint Anne's Church. At the end of mass, the choir sang Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, one of the most popular Filipino Christmas carols.
Hearing the song and attempting to sing along reminded me of the times when Cindy and I would sing our loosely translated English version of it, but still with the same melody. It never sounded quite right, but was always fun to sing.
In the afternoon, we had a chance to visit the cemetery. As we were leaving the house, I remarked to myself how it was such a nice day outside. The weather was perfect... just lovely. A couple of times during the day, I even found myself humming the Bill Withers song.
In the evening, we all got together for dinner; we even sang Happy Birthday and lit candles on Cindy's cake. Leslie was taking pictures, and happened to capture the girls with their cheeks puffed up as they blew the candles out.
Cindy was never a fan of birthday celebrants being photographed at that moment in time, so it made me laugh.
Although Cindy's birthdays are always bittersweet, they are undoubtedly filled with love, laughter, food and fun.
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Last week, Cyn Cyn got braces. It's a rite of passage for just about everyone, and it made me think about whether or not all my sisters and I had braces. I can't recall for sure, but I'm pretty sure we all did.
Sometimes, when you have braces, you may not smile as much. I actually had surgery on my jaw while I had braces; and I never really liked my smile until after my jaw surgery. I occasionally notice that Cyn Cyn's smile sometimes resembles Cindy's smile.
Oftentimes, when Cindy would smile, you would see a lot of her gums, as in the photo below. This is one of my favorite photos of her; and in it you see about the same amount of her gums as you do her teeth. Seeing smiling photos of her always makes me smile too.
shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
I'm happy to say that we've continued our family tradition of making the special effort to honor and remember Cindy on her "Heaven Anniversary", which is today. As in previous years, we spend time together as a family engaged in some activity that especially reminds us of Cindy.
Today, we went to the A's game, even our mom and dad joined us. It was a dual special occasion, honoring Cindy, while also celebrating Arlene and Shawn's upcoming wedding. Undoubtedly, Cindy's spirit was there with us at the coliseum... and the A's won!
If you had a chance to remember Cindy today, thank you. She is in our hearts everyday.
shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister
Today is what our family affectionately refers to as Cindy's heaven anniversary. It's been 11 years since she went to heaven.
Our family commemorates the day in many ways. Since not a day goes by that we don't think about Cindy, occasions like today are just a chance to take a little extra time to honor Cindy's spirit.
Some of the ways that members of our family honored Cindy today included...
attending mass
spending time at work helping others
making and eating "sushi bake"
baking and enjoying chocolate chip cookie bars
going to the afternoon A's game
watching the second game of the day/night double header on TV
attending meetings
spending time with family
playing boggle
playing princess dominoes
visiting the cemetery
Below is a photo of the headstone at Cindy's gravesite. Since I believe that Cindy is always with us, and that her spirit is all around us, when we visit the cemetery, I don't say that we're visiting Tita Cyn. Rather, I have always said that it's just "Cyn's spot".
