For this month, I would like to dedicate a post for my dearest Ima who just turned 60 this May 20th. I'm so grateful to the Lord that she has reached this age, still strong and healthy. I wonder if I'll reach this age, with the human life span now becoming shorter and shorter.
Ima is the second to the youngest of five children. They were orphaned at a very young age. Thus, enduring hardship is a part of their lives while growing up. At a young age, she is already working for the family. It was in her workplace that my Dad met her.
At age 16, still innocent and oblivious to the world, she married my Dad (a senior of 12 yrs.). I don't think she knew the idea of marriage that time since she has no experience of any relationship yet. I don't even think that there was courtship of some sort. Undeniably, she married my Dad for convenience (as planned by her Step Mom). At this age, I was just starting my college life - full of dreams and optimism. The idea of marriage still terrifies me then but no longer innocent of a girl-boy relationship.
At age 19 she had her first born child (technically second, including her previous miscarriage). I can barely imagine how she handled being a young Mom - giving birth, waking up early and taking of the kid while doing household chores at the same time and dealing with my Dad's difficult family members. She gave birth (via CS) to three girls; me as the middle child. At this age, I was still enjoying college life, friends, parties and having a boyfriend. Though I'm so aware of marriage, it is still not included in my plans. At this age, I already knew that I would be an office girl prior being a mom. Makati will be my first working location (which by the way happened!).
When I was starting my elementary schooling, my Dad left for the Middle East to earn for the family. From then on, Ima became the mom and dad of the family. When I'm in third year college, my Dad left us for good. With three kids still in school and jobless, Ima had to face another battle; that is to send us to school and attend to the family needs alone. I can remember how hard life then. I have to get some work in school to support my other school needs. My eldest sister needed to look for a job as well after graduation. Good thing, there are still some blessings coming our way. All three of us were able to finish college.
She was not able to finish secondary school but she is an intelligent person. She loves to read. This is one trait that I got from her. I learned from her that a person can widen her horizons through reading. She can go places and be somebody even without leaving her place. I remember when I was in high school, we are all in a hurry to finish lunch so we can lie down and read pocket books. We love the Barbara Cartland and Sweet Dreams series. I always imagine that I'm a princess with a prince to sweep me off my feet.
One undeniable character of Ima is that she has a huge heart for everyone. She easily pities kids and people that are in need. She is always ready to give a helping hand. In fact, she has nurtured and took care some of my cousins. Our home is like a foster home. We always have a cousin living with us. Children and some relatives come and go. We are not rich and we just make ends meet. But my Mom, even she doesn't have enough money for the family, she never said no to someone who needed help. Even if some people are taking advantage of her, she will just say "the Lord will take care of them". She never had a bad blood with anyone. She never curse or complain even how tired she is. Maybe, this is the reason why we, her children, never learned how to curse. We are always reminded to be polite and respectful of other people. For her, as long as a person is alive, there is always hope. She always believe that everyone has a good side.
When I have children of my own, Ima was there to help me. She nurtured my first three children. I can say that they are lola's kids. No matter how hard for her to travel every week from and to Pampanga and Manila, I never heard any complaints from her. She just took care of them. Sometimes she even give us financial assistance. I'm not even giving here any monetary compensation. She knew that we are having a hard time.
She is not a perfect person (who does?). She has her own short comings. She have hurt us in some ways as well, but those short comings are so nil compared to the sacrifices and good things she did for us. Until now, with her fragile body, she is still beside us whenever we needed her. I don't even need to ask for her help since she is always there. I feel so blessed because of her.
To you Ima, who is always my pillar of strength...I love you so much! Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for everything you has done and continue doing for us.
Happy Happy 60th Birthday Ima!
I wish you good health and another 60 years with us.
