A Letter For My Mother
Do you remember the time when I climbed the bell tower at the church we used to frequent when
I was in the third grade? I thought you would get so angry and hit me as soon as I got off the ladder, but you didn’t say anything. You were very quiet on our way back home. You waited until we both had eaten dinner when you asked me why I did it. I explained that my curiosity got the better of me. You told me that you wouldn’t have known what to do had I fallen off and broken my neck.
You said, “Before you do anything, think many times of its possible consequences. Think of how many people will be affected by the choices you make.” You made me promise not to do it again.
I can’t forget that afternoon when I got home from school crying over a misunderstanding I had with Jane. It started when a classmate told me something about her which I didn’t like so I confronted her about it. I told you everything. You listened to me and said “Don’t engage in gossips. Be careful of those people who talk negatively about those who are not around, they could easily do that to you in your absence. Treasure those friends who defend you whenever someone tries to say bad things about you.” Those were the same words you told me that one time when Jane and I were doing a project together and you overheard her talking about other classmates.
When you learned of my father’s affair with another woman, you didn’t hesitate to send him away. You told me that I could still see him whenever I wanted, but you didn’t want me growing up thinking that it is okay to be disrespected like that. “Never let anyone make you feel small. You are not a doormat, so don’t allow anyone to step on you”, was what you said.
With eyes swollen from crying, you told me “You don’t need a man to complete you. Work hard to reach your dreams and more. Cultivate your mind, keep yourself healthy both in body and spirit. Whatever you do, always seek to be the best version of yourself. Learn to be happy without needing anybody. When you are old enough to choose a partner, don’t sell yourself short. Choose the best one there will be – someone who will listen to you with an open mind and a kind heart; Someone who will want nothing more than to take care of you and give you the best that life has to offer.” Your words didn’t make much sense to me then, but I think I understand them better now.
Growing up, it had always been just the two of us. You showed me how to treat everyone with respect. You taught me never to look down on anyone. “Be grateful for the things that you have now and take care of them. Don’t make it a habit to borrow things from other people because it will not be easy to replace them if you break them. Be content with what you have but work hard to get those which you need. You may let other people take care of you but never be dependent on anyone. Learn to stand and be strong on your own.”
Ma, you had taught me so much and I know I learned a lot, but why haven’t you given me even the slightest idea how difficult it would be go on living without you? I’ll take comfort in the thought that you are pain-free now and that you are with God the Father. But if only I could be given one little chance to talk to you again, I’d tell you
“I am so blessed to have you for a mother. Thank you and I love you so much. So long, Ma!”