Carrying forward a legacy, sharing fellowship

Last Sunday, I lost a loyal follower of this column and a subscriber of The FREEMAN.

- Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon

Allow me to begin today’s piece by expressing my deepest condolences to the family of the late Teresita Uy Cruzet. She was the mother of my high school batchmate, Rhodessa, and is survived by her husband, Rodrigo, and daughters Rhodessa and Rhona.

When I started writing for this paper as a columnist nine years ago, I was probably like many writers, struggling with insecurity. I had been a reporter and later an editor, but I never really considered myself a writer or essayist, much less the creative or expressive kind. It was Rhodessa’s occasional encouraging text messages, telling me that she and her mother read and always followed my column, that helped me through.

When I asked Rhodessa’s permission yesterday to express my condolences in this column, she texted: “My mother was a huge fan of your column because your writing makes sense.” Thank you, Rhod. I still cringe at being considered a writer, so the least I can do is produce a coherent piece in plain language that conveys my intended message.

Once again, my deepest condolences to the Cruzet family of Sambag II, Cebu City.

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