To My Mama

Mama,

I know you'll probably get tons of text messages on Sunday. With all those free texting promos at home. Surely, it's a shame not to use it, especially on mother's day. I want to be different. I'll do what you think I am good at. I'll write.

Let me start off by thanking you.

Not because you have brought the three of us well, that was a given for you. It seemed very natural for you to do that. But for setting as an example to us. I remember very well when you talked to me when I was probably just 11 or 12. We were washing our clothes then. Papa did something really awful, you told me you wanted him to leave.   I have seen you cry so many nights before that so I thought it was for the best. I did not realize though that that would be a turning point for me.  To stand up and make decisions for myself even if it means almost breaking myself.  You taught me how to be strong, as a person.  To stand up in the midst of all the problems.

To be self sufficient.  Not to be a burden to others.  When I had to finish my Elementary years in a private school, when both my brother and sister had to transfer because we barely had enough to get by day by day, you told me you will never ever be a burden to others.  It stuck to me.  Even up to this day.  I will never be a burden to you or to others.  Not even to my daughter.

Above all to trust God to guide us in every decision we make.  This probably is the best lesson you have imparted us.  I know we are not like others who are so active in church, we are not even half of what Mama Lily was when she was alive.  But you have taught me that above all we have to call on to God in everything that we do.

As I am also going through the journey of being a mother, I hope I too will leave a positive impact to my daughter as you have been to me.  I may be away right now, and I am grateful that you have taken what should have been my responsibility in raising Andy, but I will be back and be a mother to my little one too.

I love you mama and I thank God He gave me to you.