Mother's Day

This article is dedicated to all mothers and Rotary Anns. I can’t think of any other way to pay tribute to the woman Filipinos call “Ang Ilaw Ng Tahanan (The home or family’s guiding light)” than from the eyes of a child. My elder daughter, Ivanna, who is now a second year medical student, wrote the following when she was still a junior high school student at the Immaculate Conception Academy. She simply gave out the name of her mother as the title – “Mama Marissa:”

“Coming from school, we pulled into the gravel driveway and into the garage. Climbing out of the car, my siblings and I walked across the driveway to our white, cemented house. Past the garden beside it we entered the silver screen door. Smiling brightly at us is a short woman with short black hair, a big tummy and a fair complexion. She is our mother. She would always start by “How was your day?” After our little conversation, we would all start our agenda for the day.

As I climb the stairs to my room, I see pictures of my grandfather and I remember how my mother took care of him. Being the youngest of three siblings, you would never expect her to take care of everything form the family business, to her work, her own family, and even her parents. My grandfather was bedridden with Alzheimer’s disease and he was taken cared of by my loving parents for 10 years. My mother would always check up on him and even gave him baths once in a while. And at the same time, she never forgets to take care and give attention to my siblings and I.

As a doctor, she was always prepared and provided every medical need my grandfather needed. Our house was like a hospital then. My lolo was provided with a hospital bed, oxygen tanks and my parents even hired nurses to take care and watch over him.

In my case, since the day mom brought me to this world, I have always felt the love and care she has been showering upon me ever since. I was provided with things not every child could have. After dinner and after doing my assignments, I remember my mother saying, “The early bird always catches the worm.” She always wakes up early in the morning during school days so we would not be late. My mom starts things early, finishes things early and sleeps early. Amazingly, she can balance her time and priorities very well at the same time, a real pro.

To be a good example, she puts her words into actions and teaches us values at home that could not be learned in school. She can be firm at times and tell me things that can hurt me, but I believe that it is for my own good. And they say: “mother knows best.”

We would soon say our GOODNIGHTS and I LOVE YOUs and as I close my eyes for a new day to arrive, my mother will definitely remain the same, a friend, mother and my very own customized Supermom.”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE !