Pamilyang Pinoy sa AMERIKA,SABAY SABAY NA PINAGLAMAYAN! NAKAKAAWA ANG SINAPIT

Many couples change when they have children. Most of them become responsible and hardworking because they want to give their kids a bright future. One of those who did everything for his children was Odie “Aie” Trinidad, a dad who was born and raised in the Philippines. In 1987, his parents decided to move and permanently settle in the United States. When he came of age, Aie enlisted in the United States Navy.

In addition to being kind, he was also described as religious. Every Sunday, he could always be seen at church because faith played an important role in his life. When he met Mary Rose, a Filipina from Occidental Mindoro, he couldn’t help himself and married her right away.

After serving in the US Navy for seven years, Aie decided to retire from his military career. With their growing family, Aie and Mary Rose decided to buy a house in Teaneck, one of the safest towns in the state of New Jersey.

Their union brought forth four daughters. Their eldest, Caitlyn, was born in 1998. Her arrival brought immense joy to the couple. She was kind, caring, and well-behaved. Mary Rose shared that she had a great influence on Caitlyn. So much so that when Caitlyn started school, she also wanted to become a nurse like her mother.

Caitlyn was so passionate about her dreams that even her friends were inspired by her drive. To make sure she wouldn’t have any trouble getting into college, Aie and Mary Rose worked tirelessly. Aie eventually got a job at the post office, while Mary Rose dedicated herself even more to her nursing job at Beth Israel Hospital.

When Caitlyn graduated from high school, she proudly announced that she had been accepted at the College of Mount Saint Vincent—a step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse. After completing a semester, Mary Rose and Aie were overjoyed again as their second daughter, Dana (born in 2001), was preparing to enter her senior year at Teaneck High School.

Their youngest, twin daughters Melissa and Alison, born in 2005, were attending Thomas Jefferson Middle School. They were excited to soon join their sister Dana at the same high school.

Like other families, the Trinidads had their fair share of problems in life. But Aie and Mary Rose did everything—not to be perfect parents, but to be the best parents in the eyes of their children. Their perseverance became a great inspiration for their kids to strive in life.

Those who knew them could attest to how well Mary Rose and Aie raised their daughters. The girls were respectful, well-mannered, and kind. Though Aie and Mary Rose were naturalized American citizens, they made sure their children were still familiar with Filipino culture.

In photos, the simplicity of the Trinidad sisters was evident. They were close to one another, and their good character helped them gain many friends. Although their lifestyle was modest, for Mary Rose and Aie, the American Dream wasn’t about luxury—it was about owning a home, eating well, and raising loving children.

They regularly attended St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church in Teaneck, where Aie was often seen as an usher and collector, helping fellow Filipinos find seats. After Mass, he also helped serve refreshments.

But in July 2018, instead of seeing the happy faces of the Trinidad family at church, a framed photo of them was placed in their favorite pew. A tragic event had struck.

People who knew the family were emotional upon hearing the news. The Filipino-American community in Teaneck quickly stepped in to help. According to early reports, five out of the six Trinidad family members died.

Their relatives initially declined interviews, but this didn’t stop the outpouring of love. People held vigils, lit candles, left flowers in front of the house, and wrote messages on cards. Even the Mayor of Teaneck attended the gathering.

“So tonight, hug your children, hug your friends, comfort each other… I’m just so sorry to be with the community and standing with you for the Trinidad family…”

Over 1,000 people attended. Caitlyn, Dana, and the twins’ classmates were emotional. Some questioned why God allowed such tragedy.

“I’m very religious, and so is the Trinidad family, but this is the time I question God. Why did these young people have to die so soon?”

As news spread, Aie’s brother, Daniel, rushed from Florida to New Jersey. Three of Mary Rose’s siblings—two from the U.S. and one from the Philippines—also arrived.

When Daniel was interviewed, he tearfully said he couldn’t understand why this happened.

“They go to church every Sunday… They were loved by their neighbors and classmates. I don’t know why this happened…”

Reports revealed that Caitlyn, Dana, Melissa, Alison, and Aie all perished. The sole survivor was 53-year-old Mary Rose.

(…The story continues with the full account of the fatal car crash, the investigation, the delayed justice, and Mary Rose’s emotional recovery and fight for justice. Let me know if you’d like the full continuation translated.)