Estrella de la Rosa

May 5, 1930 – January 25, 2016

Mom was a product of St. Theresa’s College, a prestigious Catholic Girls School in Manila, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She had always had a profound love for writing, contributing now and then to the school organ. She was at best in poetry. Her declamation skills were well known in school, a skill inherited by her two older boys, who garnered acclaim in their own rights. Her artistry and proficiency at writing were acquired by her daughter and her two younger sons. Mom’s early years were devoted more to family than to career.

Our family moved to the United States in 1976. Our youngest, BenAnthony (Randy) was 4 yrs. old. Dad established his insurance business in South San Francisco and Mom took a job as Liaison Officer in Randy’s school in Daly City. She was also responsible for all pageants and extracurricular activities. Her artistic mind shone through her stage props and art work. She once dressed an entire class in pilgrims’ attire: girls in aprons and white caps, boys in overalls, pilgrim hats and shotguns, all in paper. It was simply spectacular. (Randy has a picture of this pilgrim garb.) The classroom teachers had always vied for mom’s assistance on these occasions.

The History, Arts and Science Commission in Daly City was hosting poetry contests and Mom, decided to enter a couple of her poems in the competition. Her love poem ‘Hidden Verses’ got an Honorable Mention and her ‘Bearer of Rood’ (Carrier of the Cross) took the 1st Prize. When we moved across the Bay to Union City, Mom had to leave her job of seven years, joined Dad’s insurance business till retirement in 1999.

Mom said she was never the best of mothers. And that, that was her one regret. The uncertainties of life had always been upon her. Frustration at every turn. But we know she tried to give her best. Her grandchildren was the tonic that gave life and meaning to her waning years, ever so thankful to God for giving her Clare and Sophie, with Aarika and Dylan of course; Samie and Bekie, and their Alex; Carlo and Christiane; and B.J. last, but certainly not least. She kept repeating how blest she was for her daughters in-law; Monica, Lisa, and Imelda.

Mom, you did your best!

Bearer of Rood

He staggered slowly ‘midst the crowd,

And up the tortuous hill,

Beneath the Cross, His Form all bowed:

(Be done, Thy Holy will!)

Relentlessly, they pushed Him on;

So many times He fell;

His Hands all bruised, His garments torn;

He bore the pains of hell.

No mortal heart can ever know,

The burden of His fears,

The agony that crowned His brow,

No mortal soul can pierce.

O grieving Jesus, Lord forlorn,

My heart is dry and sere;

Why didn’t I even pluck a thorn,

But helplessly stood near?

I didn’t join Your dreary course,

Or taste Your bitter wine;

Yet, laden with that Rood of Yours,

You paused to pick up mine.

Estrella J. de la Rosa

Copyright 1983

Library of Congress

TXU 118-356

Bearer of Rood (Carrier of the Cross)

First Prize – Religious Category

History, Arts & Science Commission

Daly City, California January 1984