An incident between my mum and me…

I once had an argument with my mother and I did not talk to her for two weeks because I was hurt.  I had opened up to her my anger and our conversation triggered further resentment. In that two weeks of no communications with her, my conscience was not at peace. I called her after I realised that I was wrong. We talked about the incident and I asked for her understanding and forgiveness. She thanked me for everything that I did to the family too and that was the first time that I heard her saying that. She’s my mother no matter what happens. 

Mum,I may not say this to you in person as I am far from you but I want to tell you Mahal kita, aking Ina. (I love you my mother). Happy Mother’s Day.

— Rowegie Arquisola

I hated my mother when I was young. I was raised by my grandparents and my Dad. The story of how this happened is long and deeply personal. I was a daddy’s girl. Eventually, my grandparents began taking care of me full-time and became my legal guardians. Last year, my mum and I patched things up after my dad passed away. I remember, everytime I saw my mum, my dad would plead me to talk to my mum I would just smile and say nothing. The amount of hatred I had for her was consuming me. After my dad’s painful death, thoughts flooded my head. I talked to my mum and slowly forgave her. With forgiveness comes healing, freedom, and peace. Learning how to forgive my mother for what she did didn’t just change my relationship with her. Forgiveness changes my relationship with myself. I can let go of the anger, grief, and guilt I carried for years. And knowing who I am in God, I would always be grateful that she is my mum. 

This Mother’s Day I would like to tell you mama that I do love you so much and thank you for being there always. I will see you the soonest.

— Alliyah Francesca Cheung

I can never forget the joy in me when my mother was able to attend my graduation ceremony. The moment when I walked on the stage holding my mother’s hand, I feel so happy and proud, even though I am not receiving a bunch of awards. I feel confident and safe. Some students were not so lucky with their mothers by their side as they could not go home due to work or for many other reasons. I was very grateful to experience those important events of my life with my mum. I was also proud to be able to show everyone who was behind all the fruits of my hard work, who worked hard just to send me to school, and who was my inspiration to keep moving forward. 

Mum, you’re my one and only mum, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for you. Right from the start, you were the one who cared about me. You always pray for me, worry about me, lead me, and back me up even if you are miles away. The distance doesn’t get in the way between us. Though your being here would still be a lot more different somehow, I’m glad that you’re doing your best. Thank you for always being there for me with just the right amount of love. I love you, mum and I will always do. Happy Mother’s Day.

— Levi Martle Dae

I  am the second and the only girl among four siblings. My mother is always someone I can 
count on and talk to. But, I can say, I was closer to my father when he was still alive and my brothers were closer to my mom. I remember I had a small argument with my mum which happened when my brother went back to Manila for his studies. My mum cooked native chicken adobo and fresh vegetables for my brother to bring with him. And then I heard my brother asking mum for additional pocket money. I blatantly opposed and expressed jealousy to my mother. She was upset and told me that she really care and love us equally. And she added that my elder brother was sweet and more gentle whenever he wanted to ask something, which was true. Then my mum told me that I am unrespectful in answering her back. I was really angry as she saw me like that. But as I grew older, I realised how badly I behaved towards my mother who only wants good for her children. Since the incident, I became more appreciative, thankful and more aware of how to respond to her in a nice way. Now that I have my own family, the incident with my mum taught me a lesson, that no matter what, honour and love your parents as one of the Ten Commandments of God.  

Mum, on this special day I take this opportunity to say I love you. Forgive me for the times I have hurt you but know in the recesses of my heart how much I love you.

—Yrine Monforte

I made many mistakes as a child, but my mother was always forgiving. I had misunderstandings with my mother specially during my younger years. I know that she wants to correct my mistakes. It is now that I am a mother myself that I realised my mother meant for my own good. So while we still have our mothers with us let us love them because they are the only ones in our life who truly love us and point out our wrongdoings honestly. Let us love them as Jesus loves us. 

Happy Mother’s day, mum. 

— Ylhona Reginalde

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