The bonus question
Dear Nanay,
My husband recently received an unexpected bonus. It is substantial enough that we can finally afford to take our whole family on a trip. I personally believe that travel is a great way not only to make memories with one’s family, but also to expose the children to a different culture. My husband, however, wants to put the money somewhere it can earn interest. I don’t know when we would be able to afford a family trip abroad again and I don’t believe you can put a price on knowledge. Am I being unreasonable in wanting to spend the money on travel?
Janine
Dear Janine,
I understand how you feel, especially with regard to education. I will be the first person to agree with you that no price can ever be put on the importance of education. However, now is not a good time for you to travel if you cannot really afford to. The times are very difficult because of the global financial crisis. Baka mas mabuti kung itabi na lang ninyo muna yung pera. (Maybe it is better if you don’t spend the money yet.) We do not know how long this crisis will last and it is best for you to have a little savings just in case you need it for something even more important.
Besides, if you put your money in a safe investment, it will grow. And if it turns out that you do not need the money for anything, you can still take that family vacation a year or two from now. Who knows, you might be able to take an even better one!
Sincerely,
Nanay
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24 And Disheartened
Dear Nanay,
I am 24 years old and I am the breadwinner of my family. When my father was alive, we lived comfortably and never had financial difficulties. My father died unexpectedly a few years ago. Luckily, I was able to graduate from college before he passed away. After he died, I had to step in as the breadwinner because my mom has always been a housewife and has had no work experience. My brother and sister are still in school. Nanay, I don’t mind being the breadwinner but sometimes parang ang bigat ng life ko (I feel that I have a difficult life). There are moments na napang-hihinaan ako ng loob (when I feel disheartened). Naiinggit ako sa mga kaibigan ko na walang masyadong responsibilities kundi ang sarili lang nila (I envy my friends who are not responsible for anybody except for themselves). How can I keep myself from feeling this way?
Lost
Dear Lost,
If you love your family, kailangan kang magtiis (you need to make sacrifices). You cannot depend on anyone else except yourself. Just think that if you are able to pay for the schooling of your brother and sister, someday, they will be able to help you earn a living for your family. Balang araw, gagaan din ang mga dinadala mong responsibilidad (The day will come when your responsibilities become lighter). And maybe more importantly, nothing will ever replace the pride that you will feel when you are able to say that you raised your siblings and sent them through school. No amount of money can ever buy that.
Just remember that whatever you give will be returned to you many times over. Maybe it will not always be in the form of material wealth, but it may be in the form of other blessings, happiness or contentment in life. Ganyan talaga ang buhay ng isang panganay (That’s the life of an eldest child). And I am sure your mother is very proud of all that you have done.
Hang in there. Alalahanin mo na walang paghihirap na walang katapusan (Remember that all hardships come to an end). Just keep focusing on your goals and pray to God for help and guidance. And you, too, will succeed.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.
