Funeral Arrangements for my Papa, Jaime Bernardo

My Papa died suddenly this morning. Please help fundraise for us to go to the Philippines to bury my Father and grieve his loss. I have attached my testimony of my papa, as well as my brothers and sister.

Rest with God Papa

1/25/1958 - 11/3/2023

Julius-

My Papa passed away suddenly in his sleep this morning... I woke up with a phone call from my Ma crying, and I could not understand what was happening then. I was in shock. My Papa lives in the Philippines, and he finally retired one year ago at 65. He had just started enjoying the fruits of the hard work of his life. My Father was a joyful man. He was God-loving and fearing. I respected him in the ways he could find peace amid all the stress in his life. He taught me to always lean on God and give everything to him. I love my papa, but we did not get to talk as often, and I regret every moment that I did not talk to him or answer the phone when he called. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, papa. I pray that Jesus is hugging you at heaven's gates and tells you how proud he is of you, Papa. As Jesus says in Luke 23:43 "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." I love you, Papa. I pray that you are finally in peace and enjoying the embrace of Lola and Lolo. I will always miss your laughs and jokes that never made sense. I hope I can be like you in how you can find happiness and joy in every situation. I love you Papa.

Jessica-

So much is going through my head right now and I’m having a hard time accepting that I won’t see you again. It hurts so much papa. Its hard to breathe. Your laugh, jokes, most comforting hugs, and hearing your favorite line “i pag pa Diyos mo na lang.” ( let God take care of it.). It saddens me to know that my kids won’t grow up to remember your infectious smile. Never did you ever make me feel judged and that’s a lot coming from your only daughter and for that thank you. Papa I miss you so much words can’t express. I remember so much of our life experiences and no matter hard it was for us we always made sure to tell the bright side of it all. Now that you are with God, I just have to remind my self today and always that you are in a better place and to always remember the good times and if I’m in a rut or missing you just look to god and pray. I love you po.

James-

Pa

I can’t believe that I can not see you or talk to you anymore. I grew up with amazing stories of what you’ve done in life since you were a child and until now. Almost all the time I try to measure up my self in my head and out loud to what you’ve accomplished on every stage of your life and Maybe I can get close to what you did and say I could be a as great as you! Pa was not perfect by any means, when I was in 1st grade he did not picked me up on the first day after school. But that challenged me and made me wiser and a critical thinker and found my way home. Because he taught me to be resourceful when times are difficult and limited in supplies. And maybe that is also why I am cheap/frugal and a hoarder. When I can home he was surprised that I made it home since we just moved into this new area and new school. Then it happened again this time we moved to SoCal 9th grade first day of school and forgot to pick me up. I managed to meet a random kid and got him and his entire family to take me home. When I arrived home he was upset because it was late in the evening, I explained to him that he was supposed to pick me up and forgotten. I was upset, but I used that negative experience and made me prepare and plan my day to day and to expect challenges in life and be able to adapt. Like is said he is not perfect but just right. He loves my kids and always reminds me to give them more hugs and love on his behalf. I miss you Pa and I thank you that brought me to the Lord at a young age and that I am so grateful. Enjoy you new chapter in heaven without any pain or suffering. And I will see you in heaven.

John-

I found out my dad passed away in his sleep in the morning right before heading to school, I was shocked to hear and I was devastated. My father was a happy man and I think he lived with very few regrets, he worked very hard for his family. I loved him and cared about him and I regret not talking to him when I could’ve, but I still believe he’s here with me and hasn’t left me, Thank you papa for everything.