Grieving for Corazon Aquino

Corazon Aquino

January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009

"An unassuming, soft-spoken, self-described housewife, she became a symbol of democratic change and hope for millions around the world." -Frank James

[Photo credit.]


I was between cases on what would be a long night on call when I got the news about Cory's death.


Anything I could possibly write in tribute to her would be inadequate to express my love and admiration for this extraordinary woman. I cannot think of anyone more courageous or more heroic.



Please click here to read a little more about her and here to see the first few minutes of the United States Congress's welcome of her back in 1986.


A commentator can be heard saying of the applause, "This is much more than the usual reaction a leader would get coming into the Chamber...That is a real show of emotion that you can see out there, and that's coming across the board, Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. You can almost feel it."


Thank you, Tita Cory, for restoring democracy to our country, for being an advocate for peace and nonviolence, and for being an extraordinary role model for both women and men.


***


Prayer by Corazon Aquino


Almight God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.
So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.
When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
How much happiness
They brought to my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.
Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.
Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love.


Amen.


***




Articles and tributes

Cory Aquino's Life in Photos

Time's Woman of the Year Cover Story on Corazon Aquino