WHEN I got married, I said to myself that I should make sure that I give what is best for my family. And so, my life for 24 years is filled of workloads, I mean no room to be idle and I put my soul into it, that I would die for it -- that's how I am. Because I would want them to have a good life.
Such is life -- one must invest something for the reward to be worthwhile. And so, when I am invited to give talks, I make sure I established deep connections at soul levels.
Just recently, I was invited to talk about parenting at Vines and Branches Montessori School. I remember sharing about the need for parents' consistent deposits of time, and not randomly for their family. That no matter how busy parents are, it is so nurturing to spend time with their husbands and children. I was very comfortable explaining that the family grows stronger by the bond. However, at the end of my talk, I asked myself -- Am I doing what I am sharing?
Then suddenly, I recalled the past two months of my life as a wife and a mother. Why do I wake up so early? Why do I go home so late? And why am I so busy even on a Saturday and a Sunday? But then I choose to console myself -- I said "I am busy because I would want my family to have a decent life."
And so, when I arrived home, I excitedly looked at my children, but both already were sleeping. I sat down beside my husband Rey and he said, "You looked so tired, let us eat dinner together." Oh God, I wish I can create time that is not scheduled. And this time I cried, I missed them all so much!
I teach several people about what good parenting is. I teach about the essence of quality time, but I missed to do it. Now, it is time for me to follow what I teach -- that sustaining great love and respect in our home begins with finding quality time for them and faith in God. Indeed, it is true that the seeds of a strong and happy family should be planted in our own backyard.