I first met Josefina – whom I learned to call “Susing” — a few months after I had arrived in Numancia, Aklan as a Peace Corps Volunteer in February 1962. She and Beato opened their home to me and made me feel so welcome. They were the first people — among many others later — to see me as a person, not just as “The American” or “the tall white man” or (now and then in the case of little children) an aswang!
I became a frequent visitor to the Dela Cruz home and also spent some weeks working with Susing and her colleagues at the school where she taught. Eventually, she and Beato honored me by making me a Ninong for their son Guidon; I remember carrying him around on my shoulders when he was very small. Beato and Susing answered so many questions I had during my first year or so that helped me understand my new home and neighbors in Aklan. Last but not least, Susing always fed me very well!
There are so many other gifts Susing gave me — I will mention just three.
First, she and her family introduced me to the Ati-Atihan. What a wonderful celebration it was back then, when it was a fairly local event. I lived in their home during the festival’s three days and had a wonderful time. And I returned to celebrate the festival again during the next two years.
Second, Susing probably saved my life! I was helping out at the elementary school where she was teaching and got a high fever. Susing called her brother, Junior Icamina, who gave me medical treatment, and then she took me to her home to get better. The most amazing part of my cure was the night when many of the little children from the school came to keep me company — they all slept in the Dela Cruz home outside my door. I felt so comforted by their sweet presence and by Susing’s thoughtfulness in arranging for them to be there. I am sure their visit helped me get well faster.
Third, I got to know Susing as a friend, and realized early on what a remarkable person she was. Not only because of all the crafts work and teaching, but also the way she and Beato had raised such fine children. And I marveled at her stories of life during World War II. Her sweetness of spirit coupled with toughness, savvy, human understanding, and the ability to endure and prosper impressed me greatly and also inspired me.
I am so glad we stayed friends over the years; time and distance did not lessen our bond. I always looked forward to Susing’s lovely and thoughtful letters, and would write her back so I could receive new ones. Her handwriting and the fact that I could hold the paper that she had held meant something that no e-mail could capture. Even from a distance, she continued to be a model and inspiration for me, always involved in projects, always thinking, always helping. I think she lived to be 98 because Death just couldn’t keep up with her!
Susing was a great gift to the many people who knew her and many who did not. Even though she lived long, it is still hard to realize that she is no longer with us in person. But she is still with us in other ways. Speaking for myself, I know that I am a different and better person because I knew her; her influence lives.
With deepest condolences to the Dela Cruz family,
Al Bradford