Mommy Neneng

Today is the 57th birthday of a very special person, who I am proud and grateful to call, my Mommy. Here are only a few reasons that truly make her one-of-a-kind… 

5. She is GENEROUS to a fault

My brothers and I often quip that my Mom doesn't run a business, she runs a charitable institution. What a lot of people don't know, and what she will never tell others, is that this joke has so much truth to it in more ways than one.

My Mom is constantly the go-to person of family, friends and even (surprisingly) strangers when they need help. Not that my mom is this multi-millionaire with lots to spare, but even without much luxury of excess, there was never a time where she wouldn't share whatever we had to help out another person in any possible way she can. 

And yes, there were even numerous times that in her humble local fast-food place, she has helped people whom she had just met. I remember a mother and child she had helped bring to the hospital and fed free meals because they had no other family in the city or any means to go around. Over the years, I have seen her do countless good deeds without asking to be repaid and unannounced to the rest of the world. I can only wish to do half of the things she has done for others. 

4. When I think of HUMILITY, I think of her

I can't really remember a time when my Mom boasted any of her achievements or good deeds to anyone. Whenever she helps, she never expects anything in return, so she doesn't publicize it.

She grew up in modest roots in the province of M'lang, North Cotabato in the Philippines with 7 siblings. With my grandparents, (rice farmers slash vendors in the local fish market) always away from home to make a living, she was already taking care of my aunts and uncles at a young age. 

She is one of the first people I think of when I hear the words, "self-made." With no monetary inheritance to expect, my Mom worked hard to have everything she has now. Even after "moving up" economically speaking, she stays humble and has never been one to act like a "socialite." Ask her if she wants to go to fancy parties and she would say in Filipino, "No thanks. I might just feel out of place."

Perhaps, the only time she actually boasts is when it comes to us (her kids) --our achievements in school and careers-- and of course, her adorable grandkids. And you know, every great parent deserves the right to do so. In the eyes of the world, we are her pride and greatest of achievements.

3. She is a SPOILER --in a good way

My Mom, like every good mother, always puts her kids first. She loves us so much, that a lot of times, we do feel spoiled. No, she doesn't make us feel entitled or lavish us with material things (well... sometimes she may, as The Hubs would argue whenever he accompanies Mom and I on a shopping spree). But instead, she showers us with good food, an infinite supply of hugs and kisses, and always… always checks on us -whatever time it may be or wherever in the world we may be. 

This has major setbacks though, especially when it comes to the grandkids. The Hubs and I constantly fear that our future kids would end up being too spoiled under the care of my doting Mom. After all, we've already been seeing this in my brothers' kids. So when The Hubs and I recently had a conversation with her not to do the same to our future kids, she bluntly replied to our woes, "Of course I'm going to spoil your kids!" Oh well, at least she says that out of love.

2. It's easy to make her BLUSH

Give my Mom a compliment or see how she reacts whenever my Dad tries to show her affection publicly (PDA) --she turns from a dignified, and well composed woman to a bashful teenage girl in a matter of seconds -and I love it! 

One of my guy friends once saw my Mom's photo when she was younger and told her that she was so pretty. I still remember that big smile on her face and her tone of disbelief. I can't seem to explain why I find it so amusing. Maybe I just want to torture her (in a good way) from time to time. 

1. She's a child of God

Mom has always had Christ's music in her heart. One of my earliest childhood memories is hearing my mother sing Christian hymns while she bakes, does chores, showers and even to lull me to sleep. As far back as I can remember, I see her reading the Bible and praying almost, if not, every day. The last  words she utters before she dozes off at night are always, "Thank you, Lord." With her actions, I see that she is Jesus' genuine and obedient follower.

She knows she isn't perfect and has never claimed to be, but she never ceases to show me the true meaning of Christianity --that we are Saved, not by our good works or own merit, but by Faith and through God's Grace alone. That is why she is who she is -- she doesn't or rarely boast, stays so humble and is able to give us (her family) and the people around her unconditional love. 

I can go on and on about the wonderful person that she is, and no amount of space will be enough. I cannot ask for a better Mother in this world. I truly already have the BEST. No words are enough, and nothing I can give back can ever repay everything she has sacrificed for me and our whole family. Though we are thousands of miles apart, I am always proud to be her daughter. I love you and I miss you, Mom! Happy Birthday!