My Favorite Things: PROJECT 2013: Face of the Month for September

September : Only When It Ends

Make-up and Styling: Arielle Alvarado

Photography: Fritz Dalida http://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/

There isn't much to be said about September.. except probably for the 9-11 attacks that occurred 12 years ago in New York City. Otherwise, September is just one of those "meh" months that everyone would just go through and hope would pass by quickly.. looking forward to the parties lined up for halloween in October, the family reunions and visits to the cemetery in November, and the joyful celebrations of Christmas in December.

But I always personally dreaded September.. hence, the title.

September 14, 2002 was the date that my aunt, Judy Garcia (whom I fondly call "Tita Cookie"), passed away. She suffered from colon cancer, and I watched her fight the long battle against it for nearly 3 years.

Tita Cookie and I were very close. See, when I was a baby it was my mother who was diagnosed with colon cancer and it was my aunt who stayed with me and played with me at home. She basically raised me. She taught me how to play cards at such a young age, she would read to me a lot, she exposed me to tv shows, she took me shopping, etc.

11 years since her death, and I still remember how she exemplified strength as she lay in her hospital bed and yet try her best to sit up and force a smile when I would come in to visit. I still remember accompanying her to the dentist's and hear her moan and groan in pain but come out to meet me with a smile on her face and a joke that she's ready to crack.

She was such a strong woman.. one who chose to remain joyful in spite of the endless hospital visits and treatments that she was given. And upon her passing, I found out of a prayer that she made to God while my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer: that if someone be spared.. it be my mom because I needed a mom, while my aunt was not married and had no children.. she felt she had nothing to lose.

Up to this very day, my mom is alive and healthy and without a trace of cancer remaining in her body. And everyday, it is still one of the biggest miracles performed by God and greatest gifts that anyone has ever given to me.. a prayer that was made by my aunt and answered by God.

Although September is a month that reminds me of all of these things, it also inspires me to exhibit the kind of strength that my Tita Cookie exemplified and the kind of joy and optimism that she had to get her through.. and it is for these reasons that I chose my best friend of nearly 14 years.. Ica Ducanes.. for the month of September.

Ica and I always came in a pair. If you find Ica.. you'll most probably find me. Anything shared with one, there's a risk of the other finding out about it and vice versa. We never really had a group to hang out with.. although occasionally, we did.. it was always the two of us transitioning from one group to another. She knows EVERYTHING about me; and I know EVERYTHING about her.. and our friendship is one that I am truly blessed to have. :)

In the 14 years that I have known Ica, the one thing that really sets her apart from most people that I know is that she has the strength of a tiger. She is someone who has a firm grasp on her emotions -- she doesn't easily get mad, she doesn't easily lose her patience, and when she's frustrated you would rarely hear her complain. She, just like most of us, has had her share of heartbreaks, rejection, and trials.. but Ica has always been the kind of person who naturally learns how to adjust and adapt to difficulty. And the best part about it is that she comes out of it victorious and with a smile on her face.

Ica is the kind of woman who rarely relies on other people. She gets things done, makes decisions on her own, and she strives to achieve the goals that she has set for herself.. and no matter what other people say, she stays focused on her goals and on the positive. :)

Ica has little to no drama in her life; and even if she does, she rarely overreacts. And that's what I love about her. She looks at situations with different lenses and perspectives.. she chooses to see what is beautiful and good.. and she never loses sight of her faith in God.

So here's to you, Ica, thank you for being my backbone throughout all of these years. Thank you for being an inspiration to me. And thank you for reminding me of the love that my tita showed me.. unselfish, undying, and always accepting. :)