A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world.
It knows no law, no pity.
It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
-- Agatha Christie (1890-1976), English novelist and playwright.
Being single (means not married) and of no child yet, it is a given fact that I don’t know how it is to raise a kid. But having witnessed how my parents worked hard for us to have a better life, I know it takes more than books and pictures to imagine.
WIFE
My father was in Philippine Constabulary and then later joined the Philippine National Police while my mother gave up her career as a Midwife when she had my big brother and took after the family business. I came second and
while I was growing up, I became aware of the difficulties we are facing – my father being assigned to the next town and my mother taking care of the business.
Theirs wasn’t a perfect relationship. There came a time when my mother left the house leaving me & my brother alone with my father. I knew she was in pain and of heavy heart when she left. But as a faithful and committed wife to her husband, she swallowed her pride and went home the day after.
MOTHER
I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. And while my brother and I were growing up, we would alternately borrow money from someone on behalf of our mother. We only had this letter stating the amount and the date of payment. When it’s pay day, it’s either my mother already paid half or we were tasked to make excuses. I saw the pain in my mother’s eyes every time she asked us to lie and I didn’t blame her for that for we were really broke. The only consolation we had was the family (restaurant) business – at least we can eat full meals. Despite everything, my parents made sure that we have a bright future. We were provided with good education, sent to a good school and whatever social activities we’d like to be part of, my parents were 100% supportive.
January of 1990, an unexpected storm hit our family. My 8-months pregnant mother had to be rushed to the hospital for she had an Eclampsia, (an acute and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, is characterized by the appearance of tonic-clonic seizures in a patient who had developed preeclampsia; rarely does eclampsia occur without preceding preeclamptic symptoms.) My father had to face the most horrible test in his life yet when he was asked to choose between my mother and the baby. I couldn’t even bear to imagine the terror my father was facing that time. But God is so great that he never took our mother away from us and the baby.
It knows no law, no pity.
It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
-- Agatha Christie (1890-1976), English novelist and playwright.
Being single (means not married) and of no child yet, it is a given fact that I don’t know how it is to raise a kid. But having witnessed how my parents worked hard for us to have a better life, I know it takes more than books and pictures to imagine.
WIFE
My father was in Philippine Constabulary and then later joined the Philippine National Police while my mother gave up her career as a Midwife when she had my big brother and took after the family business. I came second and
while I was growing up, I became aware of the difficulties we are facing – my father being assigned to the next town and my mother taking care of the business.Theirs wasn’t a perfect relationship. There came a time when my mother left the house leaving me & my brother alone with my father. I knew she was in pain and of heavy heart when she left. But as a faithful and committed wife to her husband, she swallowed her pride and went home the day after.
MOTHER
I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. And while my brother and I were growing up, we would alternately borrow money from someone on behalf of our mother. We only had this letter stating the amount and the date of payment. When it’s pay day, it’s either my mother already paid half or we were tasked to make excuses. I saw the pain in my mother’s eyes every time she asked us to lie and I didn’t blame her for that for we were really broke. The only consolation we had was the family (restaurant) business – at least we can eat full meals. Despite everything, my parents made sure that we have a bright future. We were provided with good education, sent to a good school and whatever social activities we’d like to be part of, my parents were 100% supportive.
January of 1990, an unexpected storm hit our family. My 8-months pregnant mother had to be rushed to the hospital for she had an Eclampsia, (an acute and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, is characterized by the appearance of tonic-clonic seizures in a patient who had developed preeclampsia; rarely does eclampsia occur without preceding preeclamptic symptoms.) My father had to face the most horrible test in his life yet when he was asked to choose between my mother and the baby. I couldn’t even bear to imagine the terror my father was facing that time. But God is so great that he never took our mother away from us and the baby.
Nine years after, my brother was on his senior year in College, I was on my senior year in High School & my little sister’s growing up, there came another storm. It was so perfect that it almost crushed us. My mother was diagnosed with a heart problem and other organ malfunction that I can’t even pronounce. The whole family was already preparing for the worst and one of the plans was for me not to continue College. Having heard it all, I cried for days and even in the middle of the class I would end up in tears. Of course, my mother disagreed with my Aunts’ plan. To her, education must not be sacrificed even if she’s in a terrible condition.
I almost gave up that time but thanks to my Mama’s words of encouragement and hopes, I am who I am today (to the left, that's me & my mama :D)
My father, on the other side, was so strong behind the dilemma. One thing he told me was… “never let family problems get in your dreams and aspirations”. He even asked my principal to watch over me in school and to keep me busy with other stuff than personal matters. I wasn’t strong then and it was hard for me to take a sudden detour from reality to another dimension.
On March 31, 1999, the day after my mother’s birthday, together with my father my weak and bony mother graced the graduation walk with me. That was one of the touching moments in my life and also the hope of good tomorrow.
ROLE MODEL
My mother sacrificed a lot for us like other mothers do for their children. Mine may have flaws or I may feel less love from her sometimes but that wouldn’t take away the fact the she’s my mother and the woman who brought me to life. Who I am today is partly because I am my mother’s daughter.
I know that motherhood is a big shoes to fill in but I hope I’ll possess the same audacity and pass on the beauty of LIFE to my own children. It maybe a rollercoaster ride but after a time, it will be worth living.
To all the mothers, I am but with great respect for your LOVE and deep connection to your child/children.
To my “Single-Mother” friends, my fedora hat is off to all of you for giving a lovely child LIFE and hope in this world.
To my MAMA, thank you. And to my Father – the other half – my deepest gratitude for making us whole. I love you both.
Lastly, to all readers go and make a call to your Mama and have the best conversation of your life as I am about to call mine.
Ciao!
