A Heartwarming Tribute

Read this TRIBUTE from Mrs. Rubio (Olive), one of Agnes' younger friends. Heartwarming.

Fran & Olive, Portland, OR • Photograph by Gabriel Boone

In Remembrance

Christine Ancheta Balagtas, Agnes' old roommate/friend, didn't get the chance to share her tribute at the funeral service last Saturday, 12/2nd, due to time constraint. I'm posting her story here. Please read on and be extra blessed and continue to "remember."

Over the last several weeks we prayed for a miracle, a healing that would astonish the doctors. God did, in fact, answer that prayer, as He answers all prayers with either a Yes, No, Not yet, or I have something better. God answered our prayers by providing a healing that surpasses all earthly healings, He provided an eternal healing, free from sickness, pain and tears.

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”  ~James 1:12

“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,  ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

Today we remember and celebrate our dear sister, Agnes. I could only imagine that when God was fashioning those traits that would define friendship that she gave Agnes without measure.   He was clearly not sparing, filling her with those qualities that would precede and follow her all the rest of her days. More than mere words, Agnes spoke with the power of her deeds. Her faith was not dead. Her faith was demonstrated in her selfless care, compassion and a willing readiness to give herself completely to whoever God put in her service.  As roommates together in the late 80’s, several defining moments are clear.

• As a single mother 23 years ago, Agnes was actually with me, as I delivered my daughter Elizabeth. She made sure that I would not be alone, that she would provide the comfort and support that she knew would be needed as a person without a husband.

• Later on as I started to get on my feet, she sacrificed her reputation and purchased a car for me under her name (and I made the payments). She knew that I needed a car, and again, she sacrificed herself for me despite the personal risk to her credit. 

• 5 years ago, after almost 10 years of not being in touch because of family, she and Dennis eagerly welcomed me and my family to Elk Grove, when we 1^st moved to the Sacramento area. In typical Agnes fashion, she brought food and refreshement, as she knew the stress of moving.   She offered herself throughout the week for meals and whatever was necessary for us to adjust to the new community.

• Through life’s struggles, including marital issues that couples face, Agnes was always there every step of the way. Instead of passing judgment on me and my situation, she was only a listener and offering caring empathy. It was the power of her example, coupled with her sensitivity, that inspired me to continue my journey

All in all, with Agnes I never was alone. Agnes was not a loud, nor extroverted person, who would be the attention of the party so to speak. Instead, Agnes was the gentle, quiet, but deeply loyal, abidingly faithful friend who understood. In the words of a former UN Secretary, “It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses.”

Join me in remembering Agnes by celebrating what she would have everyone celebrate today.  And that is not HER life, but most importantly the Life of Her Saviour.   

Remember Agnes by remembering her Saviour.    

Remember Agnes by remembering that life is not measured by the things that we accumulate but instead the difference and service you are to others.  

Remember Agnes by remembering that we are all sick and dying but an eternal healing awaits those that who don’t work in this life, but rest in the eternal abiding righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Remember Agnes, by remembering her life creed: What is my only comfort in life and in death? "That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to Him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him."

In short, remember Agnes by remembering Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life.    

~Christine Ancheta Balagtas 

(with husband, Jerry, and children, Elizabeth, Grace & Benjamin)

Fun Times...

"Below is a picture of Ate Agnes and Kuya Dennis at Twin Peaks. They had shared with us that 'back in the day' they used to rent a convertible for the anniversary for a day and they hadn't done that in awhile. So... Intersection got some funds together and I was able to reserve a converitble from SFO Airport. John Paul had planned for them to go to San Francisco to have a 'Family Day' but we planned all along to meet up at Twin Peaks to hand the keys over for a day. So when they got to Twins we came about 5 minutes after and acted like we were there to hang out to and it was just by coincidence that we crossed each other. We told them that we wanted to take a look at a different side of Twins, in front of where the convertible was parked, and walked by it and said "that's a really nice ride!". Kuya Dennis agreed and we pulled out the keys and said "so then take it for a day!" Their faces were priceless! Haha!" ~Crystal Decastillo

A Family Member's Love......

Hi Uncle Dennis, Desiree, Liana & Sammie,

First of all I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. You all have shown so much strength and faith in the last month that I am inspired to write. Although I've only known you all for 3 years, I'm so honored to be apart of your family. I only spoke with Auntie Agnes a few times via family gatherings and facebook messages so I was really happy to read about her on the blog. It gives those of us that didn't know her so well the chance to get to know her now. She was an amazing woman, I just wish I could've had more time to get to know her like everyone else did.

I wanted to share with you our visit with her this past Saturday. We thought she was sleeping so we didn't want to stay very long and while Mike was holding her hand he said, "We love you Auntie". She replied by squeezing his hand. I was amazed because despite exhaustion, she still was trying to communicate. I had slipped a rosary in her hand when we first walked in so since I knew she was listening I went on to tell her why I brought it. I said, "Auntie I know you're not Catholic but I am and I put the rosary in your hand to remind you that we're all praying for you", she nodded her head. Then I said, " Don't worry about Sammie and the girls. We'll take care of them". She nodded again and this time a tear came out of her right eye. Her heart rate also jumped from the low 100's to 116. It made me remember that as much as we all would miss her, she would miss all of you, her family, the most. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for those last few minutes with her. She said so much without even saying a word. She loved you all so much and I thought that maybe I should tell you this story so you remembered just how much it must have taken her to go on the be with God even though she would have to wait a while to see you all again.

Last night I was saying my prayers and I had a vision of her. She was somewhere in the clouds in a meadow of some sort. There were white puffy clouds everywhere and she was laughing. I've seen Auntie Agnes laugh before, she has an amazing smile. Maybe since I've only had a few encounters with her I've never seen her have a carefree laugh before but this laugh was different. It was continuous. She had joy in her eyes. You could see it all over her face. She was wearing a white dress shirt and so was the little boy she was lifting and twirling around in circles. He looked about 7 or 8 years old. He had black hair but I couldn't see his face because he had his back towards me. I'm thinking this was Evan and this is their Heaven. I wish I could put this vision on video so I could show you how radiant Auntie was. She is truly in a better place. No pain, no illness, just happiness. I hope this puts your hearts at ease a little. It made me cry when I had this vision as it still does as I write this.

This Thanksgiving I will continue to pray for Auntie Agnes' soul and I'm also praying for all of your peace. May we be thankful for the years we got to spend with Auntie. Her legacy lives on with you. Mike and I love you all and hope that you call on us whenever you need anything. Help us make our promise to Auntie Agnes that we would take care of you.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sheryll