Fearless. Motivated. Loving. Optimistic. Generous. Caring.
That’s my mother.
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| Helen at 60 born February 10, 1952
A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved.
- Kate Samperi, "Mothers"
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Happy Birthday!!! Mama you don’t look a day over 50, and you get even more beautiful with each passing year. There is so much I want to say but honestly I do not know where to begin, you have gone through so much in years. I know there was good and bad and many sufferings when you were in your younger years and when your mother(my grandma) passed away, you have to live with your siblings and work for them just for you to continue with your studies. I know those experiences made you strong and that's the mother I have known. A mum with a very strong personality but with a soft caring heart for her children. I would have to say you did an excellent job with raising all of us.The love that a mother has for her children is the most powerful, protective, caring, emotional, sacrificing love that will ever exist on this earth. I am truly blessed to have you as my mother. Your fervent prayers have kept me safe from harm or sickness. I admire you so much not just being a mother to me but I have witness your generosity and your kindness in those in need. I got that from you. You have made our house a home.
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| Me with my Mama and Papa |
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| Mama made this big lovely cake for my 1st Birthday. I so much love cakes until now maybe because of my mum's influence as I always licked the icings and scraped it using my finger when she was baking. I surely got the passion for baking from her. |
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| Adam and Me with Mama at my grandmother's house |
You and papa have cuddled me from my first cry. You gave me water and the milk of life. You continued caring for me day and night. You were sleepless all through your life as I would never be an adult before you but your baby. When I was sick you were more worried than any other person. Thank God we all survived the hazards of life. I can fully remember how we sleep together in one bed with my brother Adam in just a very simple small house. Even it was just me and my brother that time, I know now that it was so hard to raise two kids already, what more raising four kids with different personalities and being a wife to papa. You have given us so much. I remember you told me I always have the lion share. When I was in school since in kindergarten, even you and papa are still struggling that time but still I always have new bag, a new pair of shoes, pens, a nice umbrella, crayons and a lot of paper as I love drawing dresses before. You don't want me to be left behind with my classmates. I always have a new dress on Christmas and you never miss any special occasion in school even a PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meeting. You were always there and will get worried if I am still not at home by 5pm. Though I am not an achiever in school but still you never get tired of supporting me. You always have the nice praises for me to tell your friends and office mates. I have enjoyed my childhood so much. Thank you for letting me fall asleep on your shoulder or lap when we are travelling even until now that I am not a baby anymore. Thank you for being on the wet market early in the morning just to buy the fresh meat, fish and vegetables for us and even we are not that rich, you always make sure we have a nice special meals that me and siblings would love to eat in the table. I have cherished our many family memories we have shared together, especially the family vacations and the one-of-a-kind experiences. I am so thankful for our family lunch and dinners where we could all be together especially on Christmas, New year and birthdays, to share a delicious home-cooked meal. I truly appreciate all your undying love, time, sacrifices and care for us your children over the years.
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| Our Family |
I know I should have given you more love, make you a proud mom like your other friends with their successful sons and daughters now and should be helping you to have a better life but I am really sorry for disappointing you for so many times. I am really trying and praying for it. I just hope someday I can really make you happy. I am sorry that I am still giving you worries, shame and burden in your heart as you said the other day. At your age, I know you deserve all the happiness and the contentment in life. How could I hurt you of all people? You, who never gave up on me, you who always have the nice words for me. You, who always made me realize how special I am. Your smile still tells me that no matter what, you are always happy to see me, your eyes are enough to show the love that you have for me and I feel I am a bad daughter for bringing tears to those eyes. I love you mama. I promise that I will try to be the daughter you deserve to have. I know I am not saying sorry but I always feel you always have forgiven me already that I don't even have to say it. Just to see me, you feel okay already even if we have to argue over and over again. :)) There was even a time when you were like almost two weeks gone from us that I started to miss you scolding me. I realized I am so lucky to be scolded as it means you still recognize me. You always make sure that no one can maltreat us, you have fought for our rights and will always be there to protect us. I know I am not thankful to you always and been complaining for your anger and too much attention but mama you are a gem... a rare gem. I love you so much. I am such a lucky daughter to have you in my life.
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| One of my favorite photos with mama. I love her smile here. |
I also have to thank you for naming me, Ma. (Maria) Cylen. I so much love my name now, and I like that I’m named after you and papa, combined. I thank you for bringing me into this world on the special feast of the Immaculate Conception which I truly love my birth date as I feel more closer to Mama Mary now. I am so grateful for you staying at home with all of us kids throughout our school years and beyond. Your influence has been extraordinary. I appreciate all of the time you invested into my life. Even before I realized it, you were praying for me. Prayers for everything from my health to school to career to a future husband. Only in heaven will you and I know the impact of those prayers in my life. You have given of yourself time and time again. You placed me before yourself even when I was not loveable. You have been a picture of Mama Mary's unconditional love to Jesus.
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| Equally beautiful ladies :)) |
Thank you for all your kisses and embraces. Thank you for all of the things that are not on this letter that helped shape who I am today. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my mama.
With All of My Love and Respect a Daughter Could Ever Give to Her Mother,
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