A Tribute to my Mother on her Retirement

This was read during her retirement program in Tuguegarao:

For more than 30 years, my Mama has dedicated her life to her career.  She has always been doing which I believe she loves the most, teaching and mentoring.  Since I can remember, Mama has always been busy with stuff to do, places to go for a seminar or workshop, NAMCYA, Girl Scouts, Cavraa, Palaro  from North to South of the Philippines.  These are the times that I dread the most because it means coming home with a hoarse voice, more tanned skin even with her signature sunglasses and “payong” and I think more than once having to deal with heatstroke, diarrhea and exhaustion. She has always been busy with swimming coaching, folk dancing, hosting, judging and whatever activity that involves the word PE, Health or Music. 

When I was younger, there was a time when I hated it when she needs to go out-of-town all the time because it means me having to play the part of the eldest child in the family which any young child would hate. But I got used to it that it has become a part of some sort of routine to expect her to go somewhere else.  Through the years, I saw her as a devoted teacher and mentor who is always available for any activity or event or person who needs her help.  She never gets tired and even when she was, she still found time to go or do what needs to be done.  She loved what she was doing and her dedication was unequal.

Growing up under the care of a good mother is one of life’s great blessings. I have enjoyed that blessing all my life and now I am trying to emulate that same kind of blessing to my girls. She was a busy working mom but she always finds time to somehow compensate for the lost time.  Her pretty apos, all six of them are more blessed because they can now get to enjoy their Lola to the fullest.  And am hoping and praying that she will get to see their children as well.

Retirement is something which everybody has to face in their lives. On the occasion of your move to the next wonderful chapter of your life Mama, I know you will be sorely missed by your colleagues. You have done a great job for many years. The biggest challenge of your retirement now is how to spend time without spending money. You can choose to go to sleep early or choose to sleep late.  You can now do anything you want because now you dictate your time. Now you can unwind your mind and spend some time with us, your family. Amber and Ina and Keisha are all waiting for you here in New Zealand.  My girls especially miss you a lot.

We love you, Mama.

Ina starts Primary

      Ina started Primary last September 2012 when she turned 5.  It was an easy transition from doing nothing but playing to reading,playing and meeting kids her age. And just like before,  I was your typical "worrier" again.  I have to admit, I had a bit of separation anxiety, again but I have to put a brave face for Ina was too excited to even notice my list of dos and don'ts.

     Schools in NZ usually start early February and ends mid December.  Ina officially started Year 1 this year while Amber is in Year 3. I am more relaxed now and confident that the girls have adjusted fast after the long holiday because they get to see familiar faces at Edmonton Primary School.

     Things will be a little bit different this year because of the kids going to before and after school care.  Thank God for this. I think this is really helpful for parents who work or in our case one works while the other goes back to school.  In this situation, I am going back to school hence the inevitable school care.  It is also advantageous when the school care programme is being offered in the school where they are more familiar with the place and kids they get to interact to.  It is a plus factor that they get to have really nice ladies to look after them. 

    

Start of a Journey

     My journey in life literally took me to wonderful countries that made me realize that life is indeed full of surprises. 

     Life in the Middle East was a story of me being a first time mom leaving for the first time in a very rich and dynamic city of Dubai .  The short trip to New York and LA in the US was for reconnecting family ties and embracing the child in me.  Now this,  New Zealand!

Sky Tower in Auckland Central

     It's been over a year since we arrived in Auckland and our journey is on its early stages.  Arriving was easy but settling and adjusting to the culture, the tongue and the people is another story.  Life indeed is laidback in this part of the world compared to Dubai or the US but we couldn't be happier because it is just what we wanted for our girls.  The standard of living is a bit high, house renting is normal, weather is unpredictable, going barefoot in the mall/shops is acceptable, chinese takeaways are abundant and I'm still waiting for a lot more of new things that I will either see in awe, disbelief or total acceptance.

     This is home now and this is where we intend to stay for good. Life is good and so our journey continues.