Being pregnant with my firstborn child wasn’t an easy nine months. At the time, while I and everyone in my family were excited, anticipating the birth of my parents’ first grandchild, I was still learning to balance my new role as a wife and my job: I was starting work at the Radio and Television office in Malacañang right after the 1986 EDSA Revolution, and we had such a very hectic schedule. But being a mother was something I had always wanted and I held onto that desire despite the difficult pregnancy. The moment I met my firstborn for the first time I knew it was worth it. The pain of giving birth immediately disappeared. Seeing him gave me overwhelming happiness. I knew that, however strong I thought my heart was before, it had — at that moment — become even stronger.
When an unexpected turn of events came into our lives in 2010, as a mother was brokenhearted for my three children; I felt it was not fair for them to face such a traumatic experience. Seeing their tears and sadness, trying their best to cope with the situation, broke my heart into a million pieces.
But life (as it always does) has a way of turning tragedies into more blessings. It’s been almost seven years. Because I had to show strength for my children, and because of the great family support I had, especially from my own mom, I now see it as an experience that taught a lesson that has made me and my children stronger and more prayerful! Today, I continue to thank and praise God for the happiness and great blessings motherhood continues to give me. My children — Simon, Cheskie and Cara — have given me a greater life purpose, greater than myself. Being mom to them continues to bring me the best moments and memories in my life. Just hearing their footsteps as they arrive from work and school, going up the stairs, knowing they are home with me and seeing their smiles gives me an indescribable happiness all mothers can relate to. At times, when I feel low, it is my children who inspire me, give me the energy to get up and work harder. My children are my everything — the reason I am alive. I can proudly say motherhood is my life, my passion, my happiness, my greatest achievement.