A Mother’s Wisdom

Mommy, mom, mama, nanay, inay, mimay are some of the terms of endearments for our dear mothers. Our mothers play a crucial role in our being. Without them we cannot be conceived. Thus, we should honor and respect them as what Ephesians 6:1-3 say “Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Respect your father and mother is the first commandment that has a promise added: so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.” May we remember our mother’s sacrifices just to rear us in the right way.

The adage mother’s knows best cannot be put aside since mostly it is true. I remember when I was still in college, I had a friend who was sick with chickenpox. When my mother learned that I wanted to visit said friend. She warned and forbidden me to visit for according to her it is contagious. Hardheaded as I am, I still visited my friend. True enough after a few days I had fever then I had chickenpox. My mother scolded me but cannot do anything for I was so sick. I was even hospitalized for the chickenpox virus entered my brain. Thus, aside from chickenpox I was also diagnosed with encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain due to the chickenpox virus). My mother (who was a single parent) was so worried about me and at the same time burdened with the hospital bill. If only I have been obedient and followed my mother’s warning I could not have caused such problem to my family. But with God’s grace I was healed and my mother was able to pay the hospital bill.

There was also another incident in my life where I could say that my mother was right and I should have followed her advice. It was in summer of the year 1997, a holy week where I together with some officemates and friends climbed Mt. Apo. Prior to the actual climb I informed my mother about my plans. She then, told me not to go for fear of my safety. Since I am already of age I decided to push through with my plans. Yes, I conquered Mt. Apo safely, had a grand time and enjoyed the climb. Sad to say on our last night I had fever due to exhaustion. Thus when I went home I still have fever and eventually had cough. If only I had obeyed my mother’s wishes I won’t be sick. Though angry at me, my mother still took care of me despite my stubbornness.

What happened were great lessons I learned that I shared with my own kids. I just hope and pray that they will not give me problems as much as I gave to my mother. Now that I am a mother and a widow I look up to my mother’s wisdom. Every now and then I consult her especially if I have to decide on big matters. I also pray a lot to God for guidance that I may be able to be the kind of mother that He wants me to be. For all mothers out there may we be reminded as what have been promised in Psalms 128:1-2,5-6 “ How happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways… You will be happy and you will see your children’s children…”Indeed, what a blessing if we will be able to live longer and see our future grandchildren. Lastly, let us not forget to ask Mama Mary’s intercession in everything that we do, most especially in taking good care of our children. (Bing Orbeta-Robles)