In memory of a selfless spirit

"All I ever wanted to do was to make people happy." —Ernest John "E.J." R. Litton

Today is the 40th day of the passing of my son, Ernest John, or E.J., as many of you know him. To give him a proper tribute, I have asked my granddaughter Angela, E.J.’s eldest daughter, to help me with this article. I also have a little message to all those who have shown tremendous support to our family. There is really no way to describe the excruciating pain, the sense of helplessness in seeing E.J. slowly fighting for his life in our embrace. Your support, your kindness and generosity and most importantly to us, your friendship continues to be a source of solace and comfort.

Meanwhile, here’s what Angela "Gel" Litton wrote:

Writing an article about E.J. Litton is extremely difficult. For one thing, he lived every second of his life making sure it would be a memorable one. No tabloid or newspaper could fill its pages with news that would top the stories you’d hear. The main reason why writing this piece is so hard would be the fact that E.J. Litton had such a diverse personality, there aren’t enough words in any language to describe him. Some of his friends might say he was the most hilarious joker around. His colleagues would describe him as hardworking and passionate about his work. Even his acquaintances are awed by how hospitable E.J. was that from a moment of being in his presence, a lifelong friendship would blossom. However, there was one side of E.J. that not many people may have been too familiar with... "E.J. LITTON --–– THE FAMILY MAN."

Despite his charm and outward appreciation for gorgeous women, E.J. had been faithfully married to his most precious wife, Tess, for 23 years from which they produced four beautiful children: Gel, Tara, Belle and Wee-j. E.J. always showed anyone he met how proud he was of his family especially emphasizing how Tess was just so perfect for him. As he used to always tell his kids,"If you’re going to do something or get something, make sure you always do your best and get the best. Never settle for anything less. Why do you think I married your mother!" And that’s exactly how E.J. raised his children, the best way he could. Like any parent, E.J. did everything in his power to give his children all their hearts’ desires. What made his gifts extra special though was how he didn’t just give them but would go the extra mile and enjoy these presents with the family. Whether it be a simple board game or an outing to sport newly bought outfits, E.J. always made it a point to make his kids feel like they were more important than anything else in his life. As a husband, he always made sure Tess was by his side. Every moment of their marriage was spent with the greatest love and support for each other.

Even as a grown man, E.J.’s most cherished parents and four brothers were never left out of his plans. Movie nights with his nieces and nephews were the highlight of his weekend and out-of-town trips with the whole clan were a must because nothing pleased E.J. more than being surrounded by his loved ones. Even E.J.’s friends meant the world to him and he treated each and every one of them as if they were his extended family. Likewise, one thing that made E.J. great in every sense of the word was the fact that he knew how to spread the love. He didn’t just stop at helping his relatives and friends but did everything he could to lend a helping hand to anyone he came across.

Many times, during the Christmas season, he’d suit up as Santa Claus and hand out toys and goodies to orphans. E.J. would also drive around on Christmas Eve with his family and give out care packages and food to those on the street. He was such an amazing man. E.J. was the big guy with the big heart and that is exactly what kept him going in his last few moments.

Now that he is gone, remembering E.J. should be pretty easy. He is in every excellent party, every hearty laugh and any kind gesture. But most of all, he remains in the hearts of those lives he touched.

(I would personally like to thank those of you who reached out and helped my family during this most difficult time. I’d also like to thank everyone who supported my father while he was struggling with his disease. Your help meant the world to him and for that my family and I will be eternally grateful. I will never be able to express my appreciation enough but thank you anyway for making my most beloved Daddy so happy. I extend my love to you all and warm hugs of true appreciation. Know that you have the biggest angel in heaven watching your back. Again, thank you.)

Love thy neighbor

Reaching out to everyone in the village community in the spirit of love, charity, service and neighborliness, the St. James the Great Parish in Ayala Alabang Village in cooperation with Chinatrust staged a fund raising fashion show at the PICC. The show featured costumes of different nationalities and the creations of Asian fashion czar Pitoy Moreno, gamely modeled by Ayala Alabang residents, including the charming Angie Tiongco-Sison. The proceeds of the fashion parade will benefit more than 80 poor parishes all over the Philippines. What a truly noble undertaking!