Lessons I Learned from an Ibanag Mother
Mothers, I consider are heroes of our times. She gives birth to a child. Physically feeds the child from her own swollen breasts. She nurtures, sacrifices and sometimes even die for a child. There are countless stories of mothers dying from childbirth, or those who die trying to save a child from being mortally wounded, from an accident or fire or drowning. Mothers are venerable.
But mothers make mistakes too. After all, they are humans, not programmable beings that at a drop of a hat move according to a set of instructions. Yes, they too err. Like loving their children too much, where it eventually becomes a disservice to the child.
Mothers have feelings. Though they are masters at the art of sacrifice they too get hurt. From indifference and subtle and overt acts of disrespect. For mothers, sacrifice is equated with love. But they need their children's understanding. Please consider that they are no longer the spring chicken they once were; trying to be all things to everyone, all the time. The truth is her supermom days are considerably decreased, getting less or totally gone.
And what mothers won't do for their children? Even if it means losing face when she is forced into situations of failed monetary obligations. She goes to the extent of borrowing money so the children can continue to go to school -- or buy their needs.
At the first taste of financial freedom, mothers seldom think of themselves. It's all for the kids. Instead of replacing a long worn-out bag, she asks her children what they want so she can get it for them.
Mothers will always be the first to console her children when they are down with a trivial concern or bogged down by a heavy burden. Even a simple headache can get a mother running to the drugstore to get an analgesic when there's none available at home.
Despite her heavy tribulations from life's problematic realities, she tries always
to display a pleasant disposition, making the home comfortable, pleasant, clean, because her children's comfort is her life's purpose. Those were the days, when my mother was young, and strong and not half-blind. Sigh. :-( Oh I miss those days. But it is always good to look back ... to remember. But there's one wish I'd like to make.
I hope I live the day to read any of my children's blog describe me like I describe my Mama here now. :-)
Cheers to all Moms!!!
But mothers make mistakes too. After all, they are humans, not programmable beings that at a drop of a hat move according to a set of instructions. Yes, they too err. Like loving their children too much, where it eventually becomes a disservice to the child.
Mothers have feelings. Though they are masters at the art of sacrifice they too get hurt. From indifference and subtle and overt acts of disrespect. For mothers, sacrifice is equated with love. But they need their children's understanding. Please consider that they are no longer the spring chicken they once were; trying to be all things to everyone, all the time. The truth is her supermom days are considerably decreased, getting less or totally gone.
And what mothers won't do for their children? Even if it means losing face when she is forced into situations of failed monetary obligations. She goes to the extent of borrowing money so the children can continue to go to school -- or buy their needs.
At the first taste of financial freedom, mothers seldom think of themselves. It's all for the kids. Instead of replacing a long worn-out bag, she asks her children what they want so she can get it for them.
Mothers will always be the first to console her children when they are down with a trivial concern or bogged down by a heavy burden. Even a simple headache can get a mother running to the drugstore to get an analgesic when there's none available at home.
Despite her heavy tribulations from life's problematic realities, she tries always
to display a pleasant disposition, making the home comfortable, pleasant, clean, because her children's comfort is her life's purpose. Those were the days, when my mother was young, and strong and not half-blind. Sigh. :-( Oh I miss those days. But it is always good to look back ... to remember. But there's one wish I'd like to make.
I hope I live the day to read any of my children's blog describe me like I describe my Mama here now. :-)
Cheers to all Moms!!!
