28/09/2024
Because of my mother, I never learned to ride a bike. And I would often watch my cousins at project 3 QC in envy. I never learned to skate. I wasn't allowed to join class excursions. I didn't know traveling on my own in a public transportation until the first day of college. Nanay protected me almost to a fault. And so I was often the subject of arguments between my mother and father. You know, parenting style. But I never took those against Nanay, I knew she meant well. Besides, I was born and didn't come with a handbook of care instructions. Mother took care of me and loved me to a heartbeat. She is simply amazing!
In spite of the stuff I never got to learn, I learned from her not only how to cook but to love cooking. I was her apprentice and I enjoyed working in the kitchen.. except cleaning up! 😀
She taught me integrity before profit in all business transactions. She gave the best harvest of the mangoes as gifts, and that's how gifts are supposed to be - The Best! She taught me management. She said I can't expect people to think the way I do.
And It was from my mother that I learned about love; that love should be100% and not a fraction of it otherwise it isn't love at all. And taught me that love is action and not simply words
I saw her took a full time job as a teacher while she remains a full time wife and a full time mother to us. She was a PTA president in my high school. She was there in my activities.. recognition day, contests, as far as possible. And she would take up fights in my behalf! Lol! She was there in my winning days, and my not-so-happy days.
Yet our relationship was far from perfect, after all we're real people! We argue a lot about, of all things, the hemline of my skirt! 😆 🤣 and phone calls are limited! I'm grateful because God granted my prayers. My children and I live in Cagayan de Oro and Nanay in Ilocos Sur.
Towards the end of her mortal life, Nanay flew to CdeOro and stayed with us for 3 months. I brought her to a lovely resort in Misamis Oriental where I used to work. I made sure she got the best accommodation. She would oftentimes read her pocket books of love stories, yes love stories and she was 83 years old! By the pristine waters of Duka Bay.
Isn't she cute!
But she forgot to tell me that life has variables. And we didn't get to learn about variables in school, and Math has nothing to do with it.
She didn't say love brings joy but could hurt bad!
She protected me from getting those bruises and scars that goes from learning how to bike but she was never able to protect me from heartbreak.
She was not able to protect me from the sleepless nights of crying and to this day, I still ask myself why love hurts so bad.
But she taught love and love entails sacrifices and understanding, and acceptance. I saw her did all that.
And I think of her often and how she loved as I think of the Savior Jesus Christ and I thank God for giving me my mother who explained that the Savior Jesus Christ suffered the pain and anguish than no mortal could ever comprehend.. And He loved us still.
