A mother's work is never done

It’s unusually quiet in the house with the children off to their adventures and the baby in dreamland for a nap. I suddenly found some time to be alone and, yes, be able to write again. It seems like I haven’t been able to update you guys for ages. Please forgive me. My hands have been tied with so many things that the only writing I’ve done is to scribble some notes and pencil in appointments in my organizer.

We have finally moved to our new home in the boondocks and it’s been an amazing experience being surrounded by trees and a wonderful 180-degree view of an expanse that includes Laguna de Bay, Mt. Makiling, and Tagaytay. That is the site I see in my bedroom! Oh, and the sound of birds, crickets and, yes, even bullfrogs at night is the constant soundtrack here playing live! I am mesmerized every time I stop and realize that before me is reality.

There still is a lot of work that needs to be done though in terms of completing the house, but I know with us here, things will move much faster. So every day, I am consumed with de-cluttering and organizing our stuff, which we have accumulated for many years.  It’s a great relief to be letting go of things that take up much space and then be able to pass them on to people who have more need or value for them. There are, however, those things that have been difficult to let go of because of their sentimental value and while sorting through those, memories come back that help us have more things to talk about with our kids in building more memories together. 

Aside from our move, I’ve also been consumed with the birth of my fifth book and my third children’s book called Kuya na si Bunso. I was inspired to write it to assure my youngest son, Benjamin that he will not be replaced as the youngest in the family but will assume a new role as Big Brother to his baby sister. He was concerned about the love that might diminish, but I assured him that every time a mother is pregnant with a child, her heart is also pregnant with love.  That really encouraged him and I hope it also encourage other children going through the same situation. The book is available at all National Book Stores nationwide.

Having all my children at home in the summer, I’ve had to shuttle back and forth to bring them to their activities and hang with their friends while making sure they train properly and consistently for their triathlon races. I am also on call to breastfeed my baby every four hours as she feeds exclusively on breast milk. A mother’s work is never done. Thank God for a super support group that involves my home staff, of course, and my ever energetic and efficient executive assistant! Why, I can’t take all the credit for all the work that gets accomplished, I owe much to them and my husband who is hands-on as well and my parents who are always available to help out with the children.

Thank God for people I can depend on because I can add hours to my day and extend my reach in terms of what needs to be done. It’s gotten even more challenging with Anthony’s having started his EMBA program for Tsing Hua Insead and my training for my triathlon races that are coming up.

Yes, it’s busy, busy, busy! None of the things feel like a chore though because I love what I’m doing. To keep me sane, I make sure I have my quiet time to connect with God and I do so before I start my day when everyone’s still asleep. That recharges my battery and I’m ready to face the world again. 

So there, I’ll try to write as much as I can as it relaxes me to do so anyway, and its great to keep in touch with all of you! This coming August marks my 14 years of writing for The Philippne STAR. Wow, how time flies! You’ll hear from me more, promise!

* * *

Follow author on twitter@mommymaricel.