Happy Birthday Mama!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is Mama's birthday.

I'd like to honor Mama for being a woman of God. She has stayed strong and faithful to her Lord, even when it was tough.

She is a good wife to my Tatay(Dad in Tagalog). I have always viewed her as Tatay's best ally. I don't think Tatay would have been able to withstand all that he has gone through with his work if it were not for Mama's support and love. I think she was/is God's living presence in his life.

Mama is a good mother. She took care of our needs as children. Even as we are adults now, she continues to take care of us - through her prayers and concern. I have come to appreciate more all that she has done for me and my brothers now that I have children of my own. How could she have survived 4 children without losing herself?!?! It seems that she was able to maintain her sense of self even while taking care of a household fulltime, not to mention the work she does for our community. I'd like to be that way too. I want to still have a sense of self and not lose my identity as I parent my children and as I perform my wifely duties.

She cooks very well! No food is ever wasted. Today's leftovers are transformed into a whole new dish for tomorrow's meal. And that's why I LOVE having her over. When she is here, I do not have to worry about the meals at all! I become the daughter all over again and she the mother to me.

As I try to become a good mother and wife, I have come to appreciate more and more what my mom has done to keep our home warm and loving and welcoming to others. I know it was not always easy. I know we've had rough patches. But my memories of Mama and my childhood far outweigh those rough moments. And I look forward to creating more wonderful memories with her. I know my children do too.

Happy Birthday Mama!
We love you!