Condolences & Tribute
Condolences
Mommy Hedrine Words cannot express the overwhelming breath of emotion that has cruised through my being in the last couple of weeks. I truly miss you. We have known each other for the last 15 years- in the beginnings of Our Lady of Lourdes College Mankon, in your era of “Senior Senge”- you were one of the very few seniors who never suffered me HAHA! But I really got to know you deeper especially these last 5 years of your life- from your wedding, through your pregnancies and all the while through your cancer diagnosis. Hedrine, you were the true definition of what having faith and leaning on God means. It was in your deepest suffering that the light of your trust in Him remained unshaken. This is the irony of it all; that in a life circumstance of unimaginable pain, when no other link could be made except to God Himself, you never let go of Him, you held on to Christ’s garment for your dear life, you were closer to Him and loved Him no matter what news was thrown at you- no matter what crosses you had to carry. You never denied God or cursed Him, rather you embraced your cross and followed Him, loving everyone around you with every breath you had. Even in your weakest moments, you remained faithful to your vocation as a loving wife and a sacrificial mother, all the while keeping your sense of humor! How blessed am I to have been loved by you. Amid such suffering, you never belittled my own seemingly “small” problems. Every situation was always an opportunity to trust in God and do my part- to participate with God’s grace. You always had the right things to say to comfort me and you prayed for me, and even now I seldom hear you giving me advice. Sometimes I find myself seldom asking “what would Hedrine have said? How would she have reacted in this situation?” AH mama- you were truly an angel! It was a gift to walk this vocation of marriage and motherhood with you- may God help me never forget all the beautiful lessons of life you imparted on me- most especially how to love like Christ without expectation. The void is imminent, but I rejoice that you are no longer in pain, and even more so that you are dancing in Heaven with the Angels and Saints. You already possessed Jesus on earth in the depth of your suffering- now you get to live with Him and make us jealous! Dance and sing sis, it was your time, and you were ready- we just weren’t. Pray for us that we may endure and carry our crosses with joy just like you while showing love to the world around us. This is all that truly matters. I can’t wait to see you again in Heaven’s peace. I love you, Mommy JP
“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also”. John 14:1-3 It’s inevitable to feel a void in our hearts since our beloved Hedrine has left us. I only had the privilege to know her for over a year, but she touched my life in ways I never thought possible. Her presence illuminated every room, her smile was warm and welcoming, she was authentic, well-grounded, wiser than many, but most importantly, she was pure LOVE. She showed me courage, determination, she showed me infinite FAITH, TRUST in the Lord, and, to SURRENDER to his Will. She showed me advocacy, strength, but also humility, kindness, compassion, and hope. Hedrine is now in heaven…that makes my heart happy and gives me comfort. She is with Jesus, preparing our rooms up in heaven ; she is in our memories and in our hearts forever. Silvana Galdos (CRHP Sister)
It is very difficult for me to express my feelings about our Sister Hedrine. I remember when Gabriel was a newborn, Hedriene was so happy, her dream came true!! She was such a loving a doting Mother. I was Blessed to be at Mass the day Gabriel was Baptized, Hedrine was absolutely glowing!! Then she got sick, she never said why me, she accepted Gods will and never wavered. I will never never forget the strength she had the night she witnessed. She was truly a Woman of God, and it showed. Your time here was too short, but now you are singing and praising the Lord for eternity. You are Home!!!!! Love you Hedrine Elaine Gibson (CRHP Sister)
My beautiful, sweet sister in Christ, I am forever grateful to God for bringing this beautiful sister in my life. Her beautiful smile lit up the room, and her compassionate heart and endless faith were ever so inspiring to all that knew her. Our time together was way too short but the impact she made on us will last a lifetime. Praying for her family and all that grieve her presence here on earth. We love you sweet sister Hedrine. ❤ Lisa Mazzio (CRHP Sister)
When I first met Hedrine at CRHP, she was quiet but when she spoke, her words were filled with wisdom and a deep love for God. Her faith touched me and made me long for the same closeness to him. When I learned of her diagnosis, I knew she faced a painful journey. Yet through it all, Hedrine remained calm, strong, and faithful. She taught me the true meaning of suffering with grace. Because of her, I've learned to see my own struggles differently and remind myself, "If Hedrine could walk her journey with God, then I can too." Today, I thank God for her life and example. Though we will miss her, I find peace knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus, free from pain, and embraced in eternal love. Analyne Babaylan (CRHP Sister)