AS young children, we tend to look up to our parents. I personally admire my father, Quintin K. (QK) Calderon, a successful engineer and building contractor who graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Engineering (UPCOE). Hence, I took civil engineering at the UPCOE to follow in his footsteps. Being the only woman in my batch, I aspired to be one of the boys. My mother, Norma Soliman, was a young, supportive wife and godly mother. She was beautiful and charming. She feared that I was becoming a rugged tomboy, unlike her. Therefore, she sent me to a finishing school. They finished me all right — I learned to dress fashionably, walk like a model and fix elegant parties — a far cry from being an engineer.

As I grew older, I learned to appreciate my parents' characteristics of wisdom, humility, honesty, compassion and generosity. Their faith was their source of strength and moral compass in making decisions. My dad miraculously escaped from the Death March in World War 2. He overcame malaria and post-traumatic syndrome with a strong belief that 'as long as there is life, there is hope.' His favorite Bible verse was, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10).

My mother, Norma, was a wise and witty woman who made lasting friendships. She married my dad at a young age and gave up her dream of becoming a doctor. That was the best decision she made — having a loving and faithful husband who promised to care for her even from his grave. Both parents started their days in prayer, giving God the glory and thanksgiving, and asking for His grace, wisdom and healing. Norma loved giving bibles to her friends and family and dedicated them with her favorite verses: 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4); 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' (John 14:6); and 'The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever' (Isaiah 40:8).

We are six siblings — Bee, Chato, Tessie, Ramon, Beth and Lepi. When we celebrated our birthdays, our mom always said it's also her birthday. 'I was there, and I did all the work!' True enough, we kept this tradition of honoring her during our birthdays. She epitomized a true mother having a generous heart for everyone who came her way.

Our Lord took Norma home to be in His loving presence on March 3. With peace in our hearts, we know that Norma and QK are now reunited in heaven, enjoying their favorite pastime — dancing. They must also be bowling with their only son Ramon.

What is heaven? In the Harris poll of 2003, 82 percent of Americans said they believe in heaven, and 63 percent expect they will go to heaven. People's death rate is 3 per second, 180 per minute, 11,000 per hour, and 250,000 per day, who would go to heaven or hell. In today's world, the afterlife is considered anti-intellectual or an afterthought. Others create heaven on earth, but King Solomon in Ecclesiastes says it's all vanity. Others say heaven is a projection of the best of oneself.

According to Dr. David Jeremiah in his book, Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven, the Bible mentions heaven over 500 times. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people (John 14:1-3). Jesus said that there are many mansions in His Father's house. And He has prepared a place for us. Heaven is a precious place because everything meaningful to a Christ follower is in heaven. Our Redeemer lives in heaven (Hebrew 9:24). Our loved relationships who passed away are in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). Our inheritances are in heaven, 'an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you' (1 Peter 1:3-4). Our real residence is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our rewards are in heaven (Matthew 5:12), where there are five crowns available to aspire for. Our riches are in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-21). Therefore, we must build equity and invest our time, talent and treasure in the eternal souls of man and the Word of God.

Our reservation in heaven — 'Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life' (NLT Revelations 21:27). Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life? Make your reservation by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior — 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' (John 14:6).

Rosario 'Chato' Calderon, servant of God, social entrepreneur, took her MPA and MBA at the Harvard Kennedy School.