“DON’T let him in. Grab hold of a pipe which you can use to whack him.”

I remember my sister-in-law Carol Reyes calmly giving me this advice when I frantically called her and said a stranger was trying to get into our New York apartment.

We had just settled in NYC. And I could have called my hubby. But instinctively, I called Carol whom ironically I haven’t talked to for years.

But that’s Carol. She has this reassuring effect on people that you are safe whenever she’s around.

Just hearing her soothing voice makes people feel protected and believe that everything will be alright.

Carol is the easiest person to love and the hardest person to hate.

She is also one of the most prayerful persons around. No wonder she is considered a walking blessing to the Lardizabal clan and her countless devout friends.

Carol is one of the many doting ‘ates’ among the Lardizabal siblings. But she has her unique way of being ‘ate.’ No matter what situation is presented to her, she remains cool and collected. The word panic is simply not in her dictionary.

She would gladly lend an ear or hand to somebody in distress in a blink. A person for others, Carol would set aside her personal situations just to help anybody out of a fix.

Carol’s beauty is ageless and her charm is endless. No matter what her role is sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend she is most loved. Unanimously and with standing ovation.

On your birthday Carol Reyes, your family and loving spouse Ramon wish you a continued outpouring of love and divine grace.

From sister Tessie Ngan Tian: “To my dearest sister Carol, you have always been a divine instrument who helped the Lardizabal clan stay close, intact and happy. Continue spreading the love.

We miss you and hope to see you soon.”

From sister Evelyn Galve: “To my loving Sis Carol. You have always been my kabarkada ever since we were young and when we were still single. We used to go to Quiapo or Binondo for delightful food and gastronomic trips. And we watched movies of our teen idols in the 70’s. Gosh, I miss those times. And now, whenever I come there to visit you, you still act as my big sister, taking care of me and bringing me around the city. Always take care of yourself. Hoping to visit you again soon.”

From brother Franky Lardizabal: “Words are not enough to thank you for helping me and Tess adjust to living in NY. Your words of wisdom are golden. We look forward to more fun and dining dates with you and Ramon.”

From niece Rozie Amontos: “You made my vacation in NY truly memorable and super fun. Looking forward to coming back and sharing laugh trips walking in the rain, walking to the buffet amid a storm, broken umbrellas, getting lost, shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora, eating galore and other hilarous adventures with you.”

From loyal friends and the rest of the clan, Papa Carlos ‘Carling’ R. Lardizabal (+), Mama Purisima ‘Belen’ M. Lardizabal (+), Arthur (+) and Flory, Junior and Emmalou, Teresita and Eddie, Aquilino (+) and Wilfreda, Cresente (+) and Rose, Cecille and Jun, Ramon, Evelyn and Rene (+), Ferdinand and Judith, Chita (+) and George, Franky and Tess, nieces, nephews and apos: “We super love you! God bless and stay beautiful.”

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