My Mother

My mother was not a SAHM or a WAHM. She was busy practicing her profession (she is a dentist) and running her textile business in Divisoria. I was left mostly to the care of maids-from-hell. From an early age, I learned to fend for myself. I remember going to kindergaten class simply by walking. I was five years old.

As I look back, I am actually appalled at the seemingly uncaring way of my mother. There were many times that I had to eat at my aunt's place for lunch. Dinner was always late. I had to buy my own project materials for mother does not have the time. I can't remember where I got the money for there was no allowance until I was 12 years old.

I was 12 years old when I entered high school. My school was in Manila, about an hour and fifteen minute travel from my hometown of Taytay. In the morning, papa took me to school en route to his clinic. In the afternoon, I had to commute. In my 4th yr, mama decided to put me in a dorm.

I was given so much responsibility and worries at a very early age. I had to learn how to commute, cook, trade and basically take care of myself. When I entered college, I enrolled myself. There was no mama or papa to help me. In my last year of college, it was usual for me to arrive home at 10pm or sometimes 11pm. The main road connecting Taytay-Cainta-Rosario to Manila was being cemented and traffic was horrendous. Many nights I slept without dinner for I was so tired from school and commute.

I graduated. Looked for a job. Got married. Started a family. Put up a practice. Encountered problems: physical; spiritual;financial; marital. Brushes with in-laws. Got saddled with problems and anxiety of rearing five children. Suddenly I got it. I understood why my mother acted that way when my brother and I were growing up

She had no choice.She was having problems of her own then. In her own way, she manged to mold me into the person that I am today. I became the opposite of who she was and I am thankful.Today, my mother is my best friend. She has turned into a very loving and caring grandmother to my children

Happy Mothers' Day Mama!