I always feel a spark of guilt whenever I think back to how rude I used to be as a child. My mother was already in her late 40s when I went to grade school. Initially, I thought it was fine but then I started to notice how people would often mistake her for my grandmother. So I started to hate her for being too old.
I felt ashamed whenever I was asked about my parents’ educational background as they both had only finished elementary school. Circumstances didn’t allow for them to continue schooling. I couldn’t accept the fact that a top student like me was raised by less educated people like them and it made me resent them. They were proud of me but I wasn’t proud of them.
I hated her for being who she was until reality slapped me right in my face. That mother who was too old for me, was a barren woman who was unprepared to raise a child. Despite the difficulty, she still chose to adopt me. She saved my life yet lost her riches. That mother who was less educated was the one who taught me to walk, speak, write, read and, more importantly, taught me to live. That mother I hated was the mother who loved me more than anything, despite the issue of kinship.
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Time flew and I entered a Catholic youth organization known as the CFC Youth for Christ. I could still freshly remember how after the last part of the youth camp, my heart and mind as a daughter changed. That was when I first sincerely and heartily told my mother that I loved her.
Without her generous and kind heart, I could have not seen the world’s wonderful serenity and enjoy God’s grace. Because she was there, I have this life to live. There is eternal gratefulness in my heart because God gave me an amazing mother who is irreplaceable and a source of pride. I praise and thank God for giving me the chance to open the eyes of my heart and see things His way in order to vividly see my mother’s unconditional love and worth.
I love my mom and everyday I leap at the opportunity to do things that would make her feel how much I love her. On this Mothers’ day, I personally look forward to giving her more than what she expects. Happy Mother’s Day to all Mommies, Mama, Nanay and Mamang across the land. Thank you for all your unsolicited sacrifices and genuine, selfless love.
Below is the photo of the Meggy Ruben and her Mama Terry. “You were not born through my womb but through my heart,” said Mama Terry to Meggy.
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