I HAVE no one particular to greet on Mothers’ Day.
While I saw every family walking around the mall in Iligan with a mother on a special Sunday, I was walking alone, ate alone, and did some grocery alone. In the corner of my eye, I can only watch enviously as families pass me by.
Even the Meranaws have started travelling back to their hometowns, even if it was not for Mothers’ Day, but for both the barangay elections and the start of the Ramadhan on Tuesday.
A lot of faculty members and students have also left the campus for the very long weekend to come. There will be no classes in the Campus until Wednesday. Their going home would probably be the best Mothers’ Day blowout they could give to their families.
I kind of miss the feeling of being in a complete family; of going out together to the mall or a lunch out after attending church on a Sunday – something that we last did about maybe a little over 20 years ago.
To ease up the loneliness even a little bit, I just playfully get bitter and tell myself that Mothers’ Day is just a capitalistic scheme to get people to spend money on a make-believe important event.I’ve seen most brands personalize their packaging and promos for Mothers’ Day today.
Those who bought flowers, roses, and gifts were just being ripped off.
But really, I do wish I would also have someone to buy cake and balloons for – or at least a special woman on my contacts to call on this day.
I can barely remember how it was to go out and be in a complete family, since I was such a small, bratty kid that time, but I’m sure that I would do anything to get those days back. I wish I could have been a little mature and gave a little more value to her and the days I had spent with her; to have been a little less selfish and a little more selfless.
Now, even if I were to take two airplane flights from here to go home, I would only find a tombstone waiting for me. Worst part, I still will not be able to acquire plane tickets that easily.
I could only fill the warmth of being at home that I am missing with a warm shower in my hotel room this Sunday. But even after the shower, the chill from the air conditioner from my cold room will just creep to my spine once again.Since I’m alone, I will just have to cover up with the thick blankets, try to get warm, and reminisce all by myself.
But even if I was not with a blood-related family, I still am thankful to a lot of people, both men and women, who stood as pseudo-mothers for me. Though I am now motherless, I still have plenty of people who guided me while growing up.
This Mother’s Day, to the people who have been there for me, I thank you for being mothers to me on the times that I became lost, confused, or distressed.
Fostering and caring for someone is not gender-dependent. You do not have to a woman to share a piece of your heart to others who those who need it the most.
Even though I am alone, I could still feel your warmth. Thank you, mothers.
Happy Mothers’ Day, everyone.