Capturing memories

If you sow a thought, you reap an act. If you sow an act, you reap a habit. If you sow a habit, you reap a character. If you sow a character, you reap a lifetime.

What kind of a life are we breeding for our children and their future? The little deeds that we do create great influences on our future. Consider these examples. I have asked two special people to share how their mothers have impacted their lives. Their stories are worth reflecting on and as you read them, examine what you sow because the harvest depends on it and you better believe it!

On Being Just Like Mom

Although my mom (Juanita Cheng Shangkuan) and I are different in many ways (for one, she totally hates shopping), we share a few similarities. She was a journalist and did translation of English materials for a Chinese paper in Manila before WWII. (She celebrated her 82nd birthday recently, and for her to be fluent in the English language during her time and culture was truly pioneering!)  My love for reading and writing has also led me to become a feature writer for another newspaper (where Maricel came to know me).  My mom’s handwriting is large, clear, and neat; and she loves to collect notebooks. A thrifty housewife, she never skimped on papers. This quality I share with her, what with my penchant for collecting stationeries and pens – and how I hate illegible penmanship (my husband’s included!)  My mom has a porcelain complexion. People frequently compliment me for my complexion which I always readily attribute to genetics, and our love for tea, perhaps.

My mother taught me to be responsible and orderly. I seldom lose things – and the rare times that I did, I felt guilty and could somehow hear my mom’s voice somewhere. I almost never fail to show up for my commitments – be it an important event or a regular class meeting, which is a trait exemplified by my mom. My mom is very observant and can see implications of behavior very quickly. I have picked up this skill quite naturally and it has come in very handy in my life and profession. My mom breastfed and raised all her nine children – no yayas or tutors. I will not try to match her in number – having two kids is enough work, but I do strongly advocate parents’ personal attention to their children’s learning and growth. – Grace Shangkuan Koo, Ph.D. , Educational psychologist ,University of the Philippines

* * * Missing Mom

I miss my mom. She died three years ago at the age of 52. I know I exude the same spirit she exuded. Her spirit is still with my whole family and it makes me a better mom to my three girls. I love people as much as she did. We both like to have friends and family around all the time. She stood by me through all the storms in my life. Her memory gives me strength to pursue my dreams. Thanks for everything, Mommy! I know that the angels in heaven are in good company .... I love you! – Tina Zamora, Preschool owner