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Maane Simpas
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10:35 AM
Parenting 101
by Zny Pearl Villarta.
If I were to talk about Mommy, it would be as if giving a parenting seminar. So to all mothers and would-be mothers, listen carefully. This is Parenting 101 as taught by Mommy through her examples.
Lesson #1: Be very supportive
I bet all the mothers here would attack me if I would say that Mommy is the most supportive mom. But let me ask you, who among you has ever prayed the rosary for your son to win a computer game tournament? Mommy supported us all the way. When we are aiming at something, she already believed that we have achieved the target and she would just back it up with prayer. She always thinks that we are more than what we think of, and that’s what always kept us going.
Actually, we are very boastful children but only to her. She is the only one we can tell how great we are because she is the only one who wouldn’t say that we are proud people.
Lesson #2: In the eyes of a child, whatever you say or do is right.
Since I was a child, I had always looked up to my mom. When I was a kid, I had always been amazed at how she could answer all the questions I had bombarded her. For me, she was the source of all answers. And I followed her ways, even some of her mannerism because I thought that everything she would do is the best thing.
Mommy rarely spoke bad words. I can’t say she never did because that would be a lie. Once she caught me scolding my brother. “Toto, stop na. Isa… Duha…” At that moment she realized I was mimicking her and she was thankful that she’s not using obscene words… or else we’ll be following it.
Lesson #3: Allow your children to decide
Mommy never fashioned us into how she wanted us to be. She understood that we are our own persons. Her role was to guide us to the right directions – not to give directions. The schools we enrolled to – our choice, the courses we took – our choice, and even the clothes we wear – our choice.
There are no standards to be pleasing in Mommy’s eyes. You don’t have to be that white, flawless, articulate, and bubbly girl in frilly clothe and high heels to catch her attention. You just have to be your wonderful self and she would tell you how amazing you are.
Lesson #4: Never compare your children
Me and my brother live in two different worlds, but never in her entire life has Mommy compared both of us. While the people around are comparing us, Mommy would uplift us by reminding us of our strengths. She would do her very best to protect us from being crushed in spirit.
When we were kids, we used to fight and ask Mommy whom she loved the best. She would always say that she love us both equally. And our argument would just go on until we grew tired of arguing and would just forget about it.
To summarize this course, Mommy had only one guideline as a mother – LOVE. With it everything followed. I can’t say that Mommy is a perfect mom – this would be another lie. But I can say that she gave perfect love.
I hope you have learned a lot from Mommy. Her journey in this world has ended but she has lived everyday to the fullest. She had plans after 61 and even after 65. She still wanted to serve. But just like Mama Mary, when God called her to do His will, she immediately said “yes,” took His hand, and followed Him. Wherever she is right now, I believe she feels loved by a huge number of people because she has given great love.
We love you Tita Zen, our prayers are with you. :)
Marianne feels lonely.
