#IAmInLife #ILoveLikeNoOther
The phrase “Mother knows best” sounds too familiar. But for InLifers, this saying takes on a deeper meaning as their mothers and other family members influence how they fulfill their roles for their loved ones.
A Mom like mom
Eva Natassia “Tasha” B. Parayaoan from the Actuarial Division shared that her mom Nanel has always been her anchor in life. “Growing up, I have always looked up to my mom. We are really close. We share stories and rely on each other. As a mom, I want to be as loving and caring to my family just like my mother. I want my kids to know that they can always depend on me whenever they need me,” she said.
The mom of two boys started her baking journey as a hobby. After a while, Tasha was able to build her network of clients through colleagues and referrals from family and friends.
“Being a mom and a baker can be tiring. But it is also rewarding because I am part of other people's special occasions through the cakes that I make for them. I make sure to treat my family to make up for the time that I was too busy,” Tasha said.
Mother, sister and friend
For Abigail A. Magtibay from Marketing Division, being an aunt may probably be the closest thing to being a mom that she holds for now, but she embraces the role with all her heart.
Abi shared that her Tita role combines the loving and supportive roles of a mother, a sister and a friend to her niece Mika.
“With my mom’s passing, I see myself having the role of imparting to my niece the values, stories, and lessons that her grandmother would have wanted to share with her. I love how Mika trusts me and that she’s very comfortable sharing with me her experiences. We even have our private jokes,” Abi said.
Being a Tita is not just about giving. Abi pointed out that she cherishes her two-way relationship with Mika.
“I’d like to believe that she sees me as another positive female role model or mentor in her life. Even now that she is an adult, I love that she still asks me for advice. But as much as she learns from me, I am lucky to also learn from her, especially about technology, mental health, and even trying new hobbies,” Abi said.
Teacher, friend, and protector
Marie Louise B. Tingchuy from Customer Experience and Operations Group felt scared like a first-time mom when she learned that her fourth baby has Down Syndrome. Her baby Ariane Mikaela also has a heart ailment, an eye cataract, and weak muscle tone.
“I cried while praying to God and searching the internet about what to do with a child with Down Syndrome. It was not easy for me to accept my situation at that time. I was afraid that people would judge me for having a child with special needs, or that other people would not accept my child because she would be different from other children,” Louise said.
A relative told her that acceptance should start with her and encouraged her to join an organization for parents who have children with Down Syndrome.
“My husband and I joined the Down Syndrome Association and we realized that we were not alone. We found a team who could support us and guide us in raising our child. We learned so much from their experiences. That was when I realized that having a child with special needs was not my failure as a mother, but a gift and a challenge given to me by God,” Louise said.
Ariane’s development is different from other typical children. But Louise is confident that her little girl will live her life to the fullest.
“Seeing how she is doing now and how she has been reaching her milestones little by little, I still find myself crying sometimes but out of joy and gratitude already. I know that with our prayers and our strong support system of family, relatives, doctors and therapists, my husband and I are confident that we could support Ariane in reaching her full potentials and we are excited of what she could become when she grows up.”
My compassionate mother
Ronald Jeffrey G. Lacson from InLife’s Quezon Avenue District Office said his mother’s profound love and selflessness is his biggest blessing.
His mom Vangie was diagnosed in 2006 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
“My Mom has no mobility at all since her muscles were already deteriorated. But God is good. His grace defies science, that’s why she is still with us. Her wisdom still guides me whether personal or professional. She is a huge factor in my success. She may not be physically able, but she will always have a mother’s genuine compassion and love which matters the most. I will be forever grateful to her,” Jeff shared.
My OFW mom
Juan Carlos “JC” A. Cuevas from Lucena District Office was only 10 years old when her mom Judy left the country to work in Dubai.
“We only used phone calls to communicate at that time since there was no internet and social media platforms yet. So, I haven't seen my mom for years. As an OFW’s son, I know that it’s important to enjoy every moment with our parents while they are with us. I am doing this right now after so many years of waiting for my mom to live with us,” he said.
JC noted that the long distance made him appreciate her mom even more. “The love of the mother to his son would never fail and will always prevail. What makes my mother one-of-a-kind is that she stood strong in times of difficulties and sent the three of us to school single-handedly. Now, all three of us are leading decent lives,” JC said.
