Nothing compares to the grief and sadness the loss of a loved one brings, especially if it happens unexpectedly. The best we can do is honor the lives of those we’ve lost, find comfort in the happy memories, and know there’s always a silver lining in the end. This is exactly what Jane Petalver and her family did in 2021, after they lost her brother John to COVID-19.
Working toward a better future
In an email she sent to Smartparenting.com.ph, Jane shares their family’s simple life and how much her parents value good education. Her father, Elpidio, is a tricycle driver while their mother, Suzie, is a housewife. Instead of having their house fixed then, the couple decided to save up for their children’s school expenses.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW“Tumanda kami na hindi maluho at pinapahalagan talaga namin ang pera,” says Jane. When Jane and John started working in 2015, they made it a mission to help their parents and provide for the family. Since their youngest brother, Joshua, was still studying then, they had to make ends meet.
Jane has her eyes set on a better future, to say the least. At a young age, she has learned the importance of preparing for things to come which often surprises her parents. In 2016, while working in the memorial industry, she decided to invest in memorial lots.
“Ready na talaga ako simula pa noong 21 years old ako,” she shares. As if inspired by her decisions, John decided to get insured in 2018, which Jane also did. “Nagpa-insure siya nung may investment para daw may mapupuntahan ang sahod niya at syempre para sa future niya. Kung sakali man magkasakit siya, may ibabayad siya so ako, gumaya na din,” Jane says.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowBack then, their parents didn’t like the idea of getting insured. For them, it was too early to think about such things, saying they’re healthy and would just be spending more money. Little did they know, getting insured is one of the best decisions John made.
A renovated home achieved, thanks to insurance
After the renovation, the house now has a proper ceiling, making sure they are safe from the elements.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Prior to renovation, the house had unfinished walls which they still decorated. The living area now has cleaner and painted walls.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVER
Dining AreaPHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW The kitchen used to have open cabinets and was lacking proper storage.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVER
The newly renovated bedroom now has proper flooring, a fixed ceiling, and an overall ambiance that’s ideal for sleeping.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
BedroomPHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVER
Bathroom doorPHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Simple yet functional, the old bathroom had unfinished walls and basic fixtures. The new T&B has patterned tiles sprucing up the walls and even the flooring looks polished.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERThe pandemic has upended many lives, with many families losing loved ones to the virus. Sadly, the Petalvers lost John to COVID-19 in 2021, an unexpected loss they had to deal with. “Masakit para sa amin ang bigla niyang pagkawala, pero alam namin na may planong mas maganda ang Diyos,” says Jane. Indeed, faith, acceptance, and preparedness helped the family rise above the grief.
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The Petalvers posing for a family photo. They are forever grateful to John for his love and gift of a renovated home.PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE PETALVERWith the money they got from John’s insurance, the family was finally able to have their home renovated. Until the very end, John had his family’s welfare covered. “After 23 years, may kisame na kami. Our renovated house came from Kuya’s love and insurance. Pinakita at pinadama niya sa amin na hanggang sa dulo ay hindi nya kami pinabayaan,” Jane relates.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWDo you have inspiring home renovation stories? Send them to smartparenting@summitmedia.com.ph.
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