I WOULD consider my mother as one of the pillars in my life.
During my primary years, I can vividly reminisce the time when I proudly introduced my mother during our parent-teacher assembly in my class. She watched me with sparkling eyes and shy smile, and nodded her head in agreement in everything I said about her. I was just too proud because no matter how busy she was with her professional career, she never missed the chance to attend in any of our school gatherings. She was always supportive of whatever I did in school.
Moreover, my mother never gets tired of taking care of us. She worked like a clock-work and with exact precision. Every day, she would wake up early to prepare our breakfast, which was always a complete meal, brought us to school, fetched us during lunch break, and then sent us back to school after eating our lunch. She would then patiently wait for us during our dismissal in the afternoon as we all went home together. Our dinner time was always a celebration. My mom expertly cooked the best meal for us no matter how simple the dish may be as we attend to our school works, if there were any. And before we retire to our beds, we never missed a chance to recite the rosary with her. A practice that is now passed on with my own kids but with few modifications. As we recharged for the next day’s adventure, my mother would busy herself with household chores and preparing her game plan for next day. She never failed to attend to our individual needs down to the most intricate details. Imagine doing all these for four rascals without any assistance from a household help.
Back then, it was difficult for me to show appreciation for all the hard work my mom had to bear. Maybe I was too occupied with my social life. I was contented with my daily routine and most of my free time was spent with my circle of closest friends – the McVales. It was easy to get lost in those days since we did not have any cellphones but I would always wonder how my mother would always find me. My mother never showed her disgust in public. She would just look down on me with those piercing eyes and pouting lips, clear indicators that she was already pissed. But behind all these strict rules that we have to abide, I know for a fact that my mother always has a soft spot for my friends. She never thinks twice whenever I asked permission to go out with any of the McVales. My high school buddies were considered as our extended families. It has become a norm for us to introduce all our friends and bring them home. But still, my mom was unyielding with her house rules and sometimes we have to be creative to skirt around those house rules.
When the time came that I have to choose what career path I have to take, it was my mother who showed me the light on which direction I should take. She gave me the courage and guided me all throughout until I get settled in the jungles of mega Manila. She was very supportive and encouraging that I never felt afraid to be left behind since she needed to go back to our hometown. My mother was my beacon of light to a desolate reality at that time. She never gave up on me. She gave me reassurance in times when I was in doubt. She was always there for me.
My being “me” right now is the fruit of the hard labor my mother invested to make certain that my upbringing follows the doctrine of the Lord, the rule of law and with high regard to humanity. My mother is my role model. She remains the rock that I always hold onto whenever I felt weak and needed guidance. Her presence alone gives comfort and makes me think that everything will be just fine.
As we shine the spotlight to the women of our lives in this month-long celebration of the National Women’s Month, let us take time to express our appreciation to the unsung heroes of our household. Remember, not all heroes wear cape. Some are wearing aprons busy inside our kitchen preparing the next meal for her family.