For me, having a family is beautiful but also requires a lot of sacrifice. Being a mother is the greatest devotion one can have.
I often feel worried about my children’s future because I have to leave them in the care of family members. Even though I may not be there for their important milestones, I know I am working hard to meet their needs and secure their future.
My love and support are always with them, even if I am not physically present. They are my strength and joy, and they are always in my prayers.
— Myla Ancheta
As a single mother, I find every aspect of parenting challenging. One of the hardest moments was when my son asked me for one peso to go to school, and I couldn’t give it to him. There were sleepless nights when I had to leave my four sons with my parents and go to Manila in search of work to provide for them and ensure they could go to school. Life can be very tough, especially after my husband abandoned me. I often think of the words from Revelation 21:4: “For now I have wiped the tears from the past.” My pain from feeling abandoned has slowly healed through prayer.
— Racquel S. Catalogo
As a parent working abroad and having two daughters, the hardest part for me is loving them from a distance. I can provide for them financially, but I miss out on hugging them, guiding them, and watching them grow every day. I often feel like a good provider but a poor parent because I’m not physically there. I struggle between the need to earn a living and the desire to be present in their lives. Missing milestones and even simple moments, like helping them with their homework and hearing their stories in person, fills me with deep sadness and guilt. Although we talk frequently through video calls, it is not the same as being together. I am thankful for the Sacred Heart for guiding my family.
— Analyn de Jesus
Since becoming a parent, I have never stopped dreaming for my children because I want them to have a better life than I did. Even though it is difficult to be away from my family, I am willing to put in all the sacrifices and patience for their sake.
— Lorie Ann Labolabo
Working abroad to provide a better life for my family feels like a selfless sacrifice, and it is one of the hardest things I face as a mother. Leaving my family, especially my children, for many years is painful. I often feel guilty, especially when I cannot be there to care for them when they are sick or during important school events. They need my guidance as their mother, not just through video calls and messages. However, I trust that God understands my purpose for working abroad, which is to create a better future for my family. I am grateful for the strength I have to manage and face these challenges while being away from my family.
— Abby Ordinario
The hardest aspect of being a parent is often finding a balance between the emotional demands of raising children and the responsibility of guiding them towards independence. At the same time, parents must manage personal sacrifices and the continuous pressure to make the best decisions for their children’s well-being.
— Marissa Viudez
