What happens when an adult child becomes a parent?
“Mom, even though you are not around in this world anymore, I am always reminded of what you did for us.”
Parents often tell their rebellious children, “Wait until you have kids of your own. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.” I was not a rebel, but my mom often used this quote to end our arguments. Little did I know then that it will hit me again one day… pretty hard.
When I was young, I was not close with my mom. I was closer with my dad because she was busy taking care of the family business and was not always around.
I remembered how much she lectured us whenever she was displeased with us. I misunderstood her because of this. I thought she was just scolding us for the sake of it. It did not help that our family was going through a lot at that time. But through it all, I always saw my mom face her troubles with a rosary in her hand.
When Dad passed away, it was quite a struggle for all of us. But my mom remained strong for the entire family. She made an effort to spend more time with us. However, her presence was particularly hard on me because I was not used to her being at home. Her unexpected re-entry into my life was a challenge for both of us.
Then the Maternal Instinct Surfaced
But then, I became a mother. Suddenly, everything is clear to me. I finally understand where my mother was coming from.
Mom, even though you are not around in this world anymore, I am always reminded of what you did for us. I am sorry that I was not able to show you how much I love you, but I promise that I will do my best to be like you with my kids. Thank you for being such a wonderful mom to us. Please watch over us from heaven whenever you can.
Photo credit: Robert Lukeman
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