Your VOICES.

By Thelma Macas, Contributing Writer - Texas, USA

  “Mighty is the force of motherhood! It transforms all things by its vital heart.” These words of wisdom from Goerge Eliot has truly captured my own perception of what mothers really are and really should be.

In 1990, I successfully defended my thesis (for my Master’s Degree in Values Education at CRC , now University of Asia and the Pacific) entitled, “Attitudes , Habits, and Child - rearing Practices of Northern Mindanao Mothers.” Imagine Dr. Brown (CEO of the Brown Company) being one of the members in the defense panel, at that time he was very active in defending Family Values in our country. My thesis had a major revision, I did not care to revise it until one day Mama Pearl told me to finish what I started.

Mama was an outstanding role model on the lesson of finishing a race. She too started attending summer classes for her Master’s degree at Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City.Wondered why at age 78 she still manages to say yes in church and community activities? Funny ,but true she majored in Youth Volunterism.

Believe it or not , it took me a long time to understand why my mom had to volunteer in almost everything in this world; she sang in the choir, she went to almost every Palarong Pambansa to help in the kitchen ( feeding our athletes and DECS staff), she was a member of a local Community Singers and Rondalla.( how do you think did I ever learn the songs “I Got You Under My Skin” and “Hello Dolly“) She had to “explain within 72 hours to her District Supervisor for attending the World Boy Scout’s Jamboree at Mt. Makiling. In the first place, why is she a Boy Scout not a Girl Scout? A wood badger at that! It was only when I attended a Jamboree in Dapitan sometime in 1998 that I understood fully well Mama’s passion for scouting. She must have fallen in love with its core values of being prepared at all times and being true in thoughts, words and deeds! It would be an understatement if I say these values are worthy of emulation.

“My dear, you don’t have to own the world”. Mama told me once when I shared with her my desire to visit the U.S.. Why do you have to leave home? Do you think it is worth it? Who will take care of your husband and kids? Luckily, I convinced her to be with my family while I’ll be out (later,she eventually fell in love with my husband; to the point of her taking his side when spousal trouble arises hahahahaha!). I was so excited to go anywhere in the world; I just saw Ophra’s segment on wives going on a sabatical leave from their family. New York, here I come!

Mama invested time praying for all of us her chidren; I discovered this when she showed me one rainy day in our house in NHA, Kauswagan, a prayer book, which she faithfully used for years .Until now, I can still feel Mama’s prayers working in us. Her strong faith in God kept her joyful at all times!

“Thank you anak” are her perennial words of gratitude when she recieves something from me (no matter how small the amount/gift would be). She never made it appear to be my responsibility to help them in their needs as senior citizens. She always affirms that they are alright and Okay.

Today, let me invite you all to give your mothers that big, big hug they deserve while they are still at your side. Who knows you will be in the other end of the world in the next years to come. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MA! I LOVE YOU!