Today, May 13 2012 as we pay tribute to the greatest woman in each of our lives - our Mothers, I write this entry.
Growing up, I have heard relatives and even strangers say that I am my mother's spitting image. From the facial features, to that "snobbish and suplada" look; to the way our teeth and jaws are formed; to our body built; to the fact that when we eat and gain weight the only part of our bodies that grows big is our tummy; down to the way we walk, indeed I am Momma Star's "juniora". And I think of all us siblings, I am the one who inherited the most features from my mom's side (curly hair, wide forehead, thick lower lips; chinese features)
My mom's not perfect. I don't think there is one. But the fact remains that she is my Mom and no matter what happens, me and my siblings owe half of our lives to her (the other half coming from my late dad). That all of us are at the point in our lives where we are able to survive this world because of Mom's teachings, failures and success.
Of my folks, I see Mom as the go-getter, the "PR" person. She easily makes friends despite the "snobbish" look (well, I can't really blame her, she's got Chinese and Spanish for parents). Oh, the "connections" she makes just because she can easily talk to a stranger.
My mom's a typical mom. Endlessly worrying about her 5 kids, despite the fact that her eldest child is now approaching 50 and her youngest is already few years shy of hitting 40. :) The worrying extends to her 12 grandchildren, too.
But never upset her fully. Never hurt her or make her mad, because she will never forget it. She may forgive you for it, but she will never forget.
From her, I learned the importance of getting an education. My mom's a licensed pharmacist but never practiced it, choosing to be a stay-at-home mom for us her 5 kids. That education is something that can never be taken away from us.
It is also from her that I learned not to care so much about what other people are saying about me. She would time and again remind me and my brothers (2 of whom are Maritime Masters and the youngest boy is now a licensed Maritime Chief Mate) that we should treat our subordinates well but never condone idiocy and stupidity.
When my dad fell ill and required constant caring, it was then that I saw and learned from my Mom firsthand, what it means when you say "in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part". She unselfishly took care of my dad the last 3 years of his life.
One thing though that I cannot see my mom, is as a business woman. I think it is from her that I inherited my ability to persuade people to use products that I find effective (my "commercial endorser" side, as I would jokingly refer to it), but my mom's not a business woman by nature. Why do I say this? She can be very "maawain" she'd almost give away her products for free!
As I said, Mom's not perfect, but if I am asked if I'd choose her for my Mom again in the next lifetime? DEFINITELY!
Happy Mother's Day, Mama! I may not say it always, but I love you!
