Kaye B. Aquilizan

Concord, California, USA

I was born in Manila, Philippines on April 8, 1922. I am married to Greg U. Aquilizan, a lawyer and a World War II Veteran. We have four children and fourteen grandchildren. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education and later obtained a Master of Arts at the University of the Philippines. For several years, I taught high school students in Manila. But later on I had a chance to work for the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in which I received a US-AID Grant for the Observation and Study of Budget Administration in Washington D.C. Consequently, I was designated Budget Officer for NFAC, an agency of the Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources where I worked until my departure from the United States in 1979.

On Our Wedding Anniversary

It seems it was only yesterday that we first met
Amidst the turbulent years of our courtship time
When the enemies were lurking all around and set
To pounce upon us with bullets humming rhyme.
Thus with insurmountable odds we were beset.
In spite of the seemingly incredible vicissitude
We managed to paddle our canoe in the stormy sea
Imploring to the Divine Providence His beatitude
That the cross we are carrying be lightened as can be
And in many ways we shall show our gratitude.
But must you go and say good-bye
On the day we shall renew old vows.
Leaving me in tears and grieving through the years,
Longing for the love we always shared.
Darling, for your sake, I'll try to be brave
To ease the pain 'till only loving memories remain.

The Rosary

Vividly I remember
When he gave the rosary to me
The night was late in a bleak December
His tears profusely, freely flowing.
"My dear" he whispered, "wear this with grace,
Against the onrushing enemies,
Remember, recite the fifteen mysteries,
God will listen to your entreaties."
We parted with heavy hearts but hopefully,
Though the enemies were relentless
And sweeping defenders - entirely helpless,
He would be back after serving our country.
Destruction, confusion, chaos, everywhere.
Soldiers are going mad and crazy,
Day in and day out, life is a nightmare
Yankee's aid remote and hopeless.
Eve of Xmas, I was holding his gift
Silent night, while in deep reverie
Counting the beads and praying to God,
To give the soldiers and my heart a lift.
Suddenly the song from the distance came louder
And more melodious by the marching of feet.
I kissed my rosary and thanked the Lord
For listening to my entreaties.

Here I Am Lord!

Here I am O Lord!
With all my weakness, my sins,
If unknowingly I committed them
Dear Lord, Your forgiveness I implore.
The wonderful things you graciously endowed
For all of these, I thank you Lord.
With open hands, I offer you
My whole being in gratitude.
Give me my Lord, the strength I need,
To fulfill the mission I have set
To uplift my family and the Legion as well
In my endeavor to accept Your will.