I was 7 when my Mom decided to go abroad to earn a living. It was heart-breaking. It was so hard to be the eldest among a brood of 3, and it was even harder to be the only girl left in the family.
It was such a difficult situation I was in, without a mother in a place I call, home. But I knew it was nothing compared to the sacrifice she was willing to face just so she could give us a better life.
A lot of times, I would find myself worrying whether was mom was doing good out there. Whether or not her employers treat her well or if she gets enough sleep and eats on time.
But I content myself knowing that her decision of leaving us was for our future. As she would often remind us to study well and do good in school so that we would have a brighter future ahead of us. She wanted to spare us from the hardship she has gone through earlier in her life as a student.
So she wanted to give us everything, even when it meant leaving nothing for herself. She was such a selfless woman. At the beginning, I really didn’t know what to do with my life without her by my side. I flunked in school. I was oftentimes involved in a fight with my classmates. In fact, I could remember spending my birthday in the Principal’s Office for something wrong I did again.
All of these news reached my mom, and I was sure it broke her heart. Even worse, this plight continued until my college days. Yes, my first two years in college was a mess as I was uncertain with the course I wanted to pursue. Not until I transferred to another school did it became crystal clear to me.
God is indeed all-forgiving and all-loving. Despite everything I’ve done, He continued to guide me and show me the way. As I was about to take the entrance exam in my school, I dropped by the chapel and I prayed hard to God. Real hard. I told the Lord that if this was the path He wanted for me (the course and the school), then He’s got to help become a good student and a good daughter, as well. The next day, ’twas the first day of class, I took having Theology as my first subject as a sign from God.
And my heart was glad. From then on, everything went smoothly. I even became part of the Dean’s List. Eventually, I graduated from college. Now, I am again a step closer to my dreams as I finish my Master’s Degree.
I want to tell everyone that I was able to make it despite my old self: reckless, irresponsible, happy-go-lucky. That it is never too late to change. I should know. I’ve been there, and I made it! And now I can truly say that I am a proud scholar of my beloved mother. I am proud of all the sacrifices we all had to surpass, and I am proud that my mother is a Domestic Helper: a hand that helps, a heart that loves. And all of who I am today is all because of her. Mama, I may not have been a perfect daughter, but I dreamed and worked hard on that dream to make you happy and proud of me. This diploma is for you. Everything good that I do is all because of you and for you. This is it! In a few days, we will be together, on stage, receiving what we have long worked hard for. T
his is your dream-come-true through me. And I have nothing but deep gratitude and love for all that you have done for me, my dear mother Myrna. My love wouldn’t begin to fit within these lines, but know that I love you more than I do myself. To my family, thank you for always being with me at every turning point of my life. You all have been my source of strength, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for you. Finally, thank you Lord for a good life. The road was bumpy. Times were tough. My fears were as large as my larger-than-life dreams, but you never left my side. I especially thank you for taking good care of my mother. I owe everything to you.
Thank you. To God be all the honor and glory!
Rita Famela O. Embudo
MBA major in Executive Leadership Development
