58 years ago, when we first celebrated Mother’s Day, did you think you would have six of us? Did you know you would become a US citizen? That you would not only be our mom, dad’s wife, a teacher, but also the community leader and organizer in Milwaukee, Saskatchewan, and Peoria, Illinois?
Did you think you’d build a house set in the middle of the woods, designing open concept spaces in the 1970’s, not because it was a trend, but because it was a practical way to do your work and keep an eye on us? Did you, the daughter of a Chinese businessman and a Filipina countrywoman, dream that you would stretch your husband’s pay checks and create a beautiful home on a Singer sewing machine? That your practice of cooking for eight would make you a master chef? I can’t believe you only cooked your first meal when you were twenty-eight.
People say dad was the storyteller. But you were the maker of things. You were the one who taught me to think outside cultural expectations. Who said, I never stopped to think about being a feminist. I was too busy doing what needed to be done (too busy being a feminist).
From your example, all things have become possible. All things realized.
I know Mother’s Day is harder today because it is the first one without Dad. But I also know we are who we are because of the two of you. That your strength is what made you two create our beautiful life (with 15 apo!).
Maraming Salamat, Mommy! ♥️
Did you know all these things would come to pass back then? I was not even a month old. Dad was a young physician. We were in Harrisburg. Did you know you would do all this?
Mahal na mahal kita. Happy Mother’s Day.
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