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.