The article below was written in 2014 as Mother’s Day was being celebrated all around the world. Later that same year, my Ama was called home to be with our Lord.
Today we celebrate mothers all over the world. But who is she really in our lives?
Last Friday I had a chance to sit through one of the regular Mother's Get Together organized by the DLSU-PUSO. The attendees were asked to introduce themselves; name, age, profession, children studying in De La Salle University, etc.
One of the ladies shyly, and in a very soft tone of voice, had her time in the limelight and ended her introduction with "...I am just a plain housewife." I stood up and applauded her saying "There is nothing plain in being JUST a housewife." Sadly, nobody else followed my standing ovation for the JUST PLAIN HOUSEWIFE.
It is very unfortunate that in our society, a wife/mother who stays at home and takes care of the kids while running the whole household is not seen as a professional contributing to the development of the nation. She is often looked down at as someone who does not know better and has no opinion in intellectual conversations. It might sound harsh but it is reality in many parts of the world.
My Ama (Fookien for grandmother) just turned 97 last month. We didn't celebrate her birthday anymore because she has been in and out of the hospital since the start of the year and her health is already deteriorating. We do not know how long she will still be with us.
Ama was not born into a wealthy family. She never finished school. I am not even sure if she ever went to school. She was a very young widow left with 8 fatherless children to raise on her own. Regardless of what they say, that alone for me deserves more than a standing ovation. I grew up interacting with Ama on an almost daily basis. I love her cooking, and probably is one of the things I miss about her the most. Her simple mindedness spoke more of sincerity and love. Her wisdom always came from her heart.
I bring my kids to visit Ama every week. She can't hear us anymore and she already lost her vision to cataract. It might be pointless for some to visit a person who does not even know you're there. But the visit is more for me and my 4 kids. I choose to continue to show her my love and to show my 4 children how it is to love despite of.
Taken April 2013 when we celebrated Ama's 96th birthday
linkiNG you to opportunities,
