YOU’RE MY HERO, MOM.

In everyone’s life, there are people who will mean a lot to them but every once in a while, someone even more extraordinary comes along. Someone you can call your “hero”, someone who’s close to your heart that you can’t possibly imagine what life would be if you haven’t met them. Someone who has influenced you in a way you don’t even realize.

Well, I have my own hero- my mom. She made a big difference in many people’s lives, especially mine. 

When my mother was 17, her mother died of an illness. She and her two sisters and one brother were left alone sad in the hands of their father, Papa Max. Good thing Papa Max was a lovely Dad, even I can remember how sweet he was to me. He used to bring me to a toy store near our house in Pasay just to buy me stuffed toys. I bet he also did this to my mom when she was younger. A few years later, Papa Max died of heart attack. My mom was just in her early 20s, still young enough to lose both of her parents. Growing up, since she was the youngest in the family, her three siblings took care of her.

Knowing that my mother lost her mom at a young age, I find it compelling that at 21 or 22, she already wanted to be married and be a mother. My bet was maybe because she wasn’t able to feel the love she needed as a child, that she dreamt of taking care of her own children showering them with love and care.

I know my mom thrived on motherhood. It was her passion and I know she enjoyed taking care of us. I know being a mother to three children was something she was passionate and happy about. Being a wife, on the other hand, was hard for her. Two years ago, her marriage with my dad started going downhill.  It was both hard for them, but my siblings and I are mature enough not to put the blame on anybody. Yet with all the stress and responsibilities as the eldest daughter, I’m not really that bitter. It’s a bit heartbreaking, but I know I can’t afford to lose my sanity. She left home and my Dad was coping from it. I have two younger siblings who needed me and so I told myself that I had to be strong.

I’m just really amazed to think how well we adjusted since the separation. It’s because of my lovely parents who both loves us so much. Both of them tried to instill so much confidence in us that we always think that everything will be okay. Even if my mom is away, she still calls us every night asking how well our day was. She never forgets to remind us that we should study hard and be good in everything we do. Even if they’re not together anymore, we still receive so much love from both sides that makes us stronger everyday.

I know my mom sacrificed most of her life taking care of us. In fact, she never worked until they separated. She wasn’t able to achieve a lot on her career, but I know she never regrets it. She loves us more than anything and we’re so blessed because of that. She never really got the life she was exactly dream of having, but to her being a mother was all worth it. 

Happy mother’s day, mom! We love you!