‘YOU PLACED OUR NEEDS BEFORE YOUR OWN’
Dearest Mama,
As the years go by, the importance of the sacrifices you made for the family becomes more apparent to me. You put your career on hold to take care of four young children. You stepped up to manage the family business and provide for the family when Papa was still in active military and police service. You gave up time for yourself because you placed our needs before your own. And you continue to place our needs above your own even until now.
As the years go by, I understand more the reason you were so hard on me when I was a child. You wanted to instill in me the values of discipline, diligence and hard work. Now that I have a child of my own, I realize that “tough love” is not just tough on the child but also tough on the parent. It would be easier to give in to my whining and complaining about the numerous times I have to write my essay until I get everything perfect, or the hundreds of times I had to repeat my arithmetic speed tests until I finished it in record speed; but you held your ground so that I may learn to maintain the highest standards and strive for excellence in everything that I do.
As the years go by, I value more the lessons you have taught me and all the advice you have given.
Although there were times when I thought I knew better, I know now that mothers truly know best. And even though there were times that I did not follow your advice, you were still there to support me wholeheartedly.
Although there were times when I wanted to be alone, I always appreciated the times you never left my side; especially the times when I was sick and afraid. You were always there for me, Mama, and you always stood by me through all of life’s trials. Thank you.
As the years go by, I see us both getting older and I realize that we do not have much time left. I want to spend more time with you, Mama. There is so much more of the person you are that I do not know and that I want to know. It is my turn now to take care of you. I’ll be there with you when you are sick or afraid. I am here for you, too, and you can count on me.
There is nothing in this world that lasts forever, but an exception is a mother’s love. Thank you for your great love for us, Ma. I love you so much! You are the person from whose heart my own heart came to be.
Emmeline
Emmeline Aglipay Villar, lawyer, is the daughter of Marinette Yan Aglipay.