Grief over Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s Death

“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.” Corazon Aquino
cory_aquino

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 am of cardio-respiratory arrest” – Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

Her son Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III confirmed that Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino died of cardio respiratory arrest at exactly 3:18 a.m. Saturday at the Makati Medical Center after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76 years old.

According to two political analysts interviewed by abs-cbnNEWS.com /Newsbreak, Mrs. Aquino will be missed for what she symbolized.

“She’s most powerful as an icon. Like Cardinal Sin. No one else can play that role. No one,” said Alex Magno, a political science professor of the University of the Philippines.

I feel sad over her death and at the same time relieved that she didn’t have to suffer for long. My husband wrote a few weeks ago that we should “Let Cory Aquino die in Peace“. After having given so much of herself to God, country and the cause of democracy, why not give her this one last wish and let her die with dignity and grace ?

Her legacy as president is very precious to me. At the height of people power, I was 8 months pregnant with my first child, Lauren. It was a precarious situation with the massive cheating over the snap election.


At the height of the snap election confusion, I felt so insecure that my baby’s future would be at stake. God forbid, a civil war. My husband already planned that we would move to the mountains just in case trouble would occur. The idea just brought me to tears. How will I give birth in the mountains? But surprise, surprise, People Power just happened. Much as I wanted to be in EDSA, I was in no condition to join my countrymen. My huge belly would be squashed with the millions of people.

How hopeful I was that our country would prosper under a democratic government. When I heard the inauguration of Cory Aquino over the radio, my heart leaped with joy and so did Lauren inside my womb. I thought my baby was excited at the thought of a new government.


Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo – Song for EDSA

Sure, many critics would say Cory was a weak president but she was our transition president towards democracy. The silver lining is that Lauren never got to experience the dictator’s strong man rule. At least the rebirth of our democracy was the legacy left behind by Former President Cory Aquino and People Power. The transition from the brutal Marcos dictatorship wouldn’t have been possible without a Cory who ensured a peaceful handover of power at the end of her term and who didn’t ambition to lift term limits. Which is a lot more than can be said of Gloria Arroyo. As she once said “I don’t have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.”

Her death saddens us all but does not diminish our continuing struggle to protect democracy from the evil plots of those in power.

Thank you for everything, Former President Cory Aquino.

cory-aquino-wake

cory-aquino-death
Photo by Reuters

Rest in Peace.

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9 Comments »

Comment by Angel Cuala
2009-08-01 11:34:10

Yes, Noemi. Tita Cory left us with a legacy, as I witnessed her sincerity to serve our country when I was still a student. For me, she was not just a simple president but a caring mother whose dream is to have her children grow up safe and free from any danger.

Yes, there were issues and controversies but her advocacy for peace and will truly be remembered and be passed on from generation.

I myself share the sorrow and pain to all Filipinos especially to those who felt her heart not only as a dedicated leader but a loving mother.

Thanks!
Angel Cuala´s last blog ..Cory Aquino: Thank you and Farewell Madam President My ComLuv Profile

Comment by Noemi
2009-08-01 16:06:57

I do hope that her legacy will be remembered forever.

 
 
Comment by The Pope
2009-08-01 15:56:32

Nakikidalamhati sa pamamaalam ng isang Ina ng Kalayaan, Kapayapaan at Pagkakaisa na naging instrumento upang mabuksan ang pintuan ng demokrasya mula sa isang Diktatura.

Maraming salamat Tita Cory.

Comment by Noemi
2009-08-01 16:07:54

tama, maraming salamat talaga,

 
 
Comment by the jester-in-exile
2009-08-01 16:31:15

i weep with you.
the jester-in-exile´s last blog ..Sunflowers My ComLuv Profile

 
Comment by BrianB
2009-08-01 16:35:43

Scary photo of Cory, FYI.

Comment by Noemi
2009-08-01 16:43:00

bakit naman?

 
 
Comment by Jun Sunga
2009-08-08 01:56:02

Ninoy’s Death is for HOPE and a NEW BeGINNING
Cory’s Death is for HEALING and RESTORATION!

It’s good to see the MARCOSES being treated well
by Cory’s Grandchildren and Eldest Child

I think this is what the PHILIPPINES should be

Let’s start picking up all the pieces
and bring it back while helping each other!

Sa eleksyon
WAG IBOTO ang nsa kasalukuyan! Sobra na TAMA NA!
WAG DIN IBOTO ung dati na! Dahil maghihiganti lang!

Iboto ung bago para sa tunay na pagbabago!

TO KRIS
the message is very clear start seaking and asking
the will of GOD…Do it now! Befor it’s too late!

 
Comment by Chloe, Julia, Camille, Samn, Inna, kat, Jec
2009-08-14 18:44:08

Dear tita cory, thank you so much for everything that you have done! we love you so much!
we appreciate you so much that we want you to stay. you are actually the light of our life, (since you favorite color is yellow.) hihi.
but the most important thing of the most is we love you so much and we appreciate more than anything!

you are the best mom of this country! :) )

we love you. even though we are just 6th graders we still know what you have been sacrificing for the philippines, and we appreciate that so much!

Sincerely,
Grade 6 Learning Links Academy
Brgy. Inchikan silang Cavite.

P.S.
we are still young though, but we still know what you have done for the philippines. we researched about you, we asked about you, and everything we heared we were touched because of your sweet loving care. we love you tita Cory.

-Chloe ann R. ….. with the help of julia, camille, kat, samn, inna, and jec

 
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