An Open Letter to Ester

Dear Mom,


I know I cant thank you enough for all you have done in my life...and to our family.



I never heard a single complaint from you about the pains of raising your 8 children, even if we were born just a year or so apart from each other. I couldnt imagine how hard life was then for you being a very young wife and a mother with a fast growing kids. In spite of all this and more, you nurtured us and cared for us like you always do up until now even if you are already 65 years old. Who am I to question your value of being a mother, a homemaker and a wife when you bore 8 children, all healthy, all alive, all grown up now? Our constant cry for your motherly love must have been very painful and stressful especially if those 8 kids needed it at the same time. Did you mention that our aunts helped you then? Well, aunts and nannies are terrific caretakers, but Im sure it was your hugs and kisses that we always wanted to have. You are always so willing to help anyone at any given time, as long as you know that they are in need of something, you are always so willing to help, be it a matter of finances, time or service...you are just so generous of yourself. And I guess thats one of the many good traits I got from you mom. Its your nature to care and think of others before thy own self. Thats so commendable Mom, and I salute you for that.



As I was growing up, I knew I have hurt you along the way. My constant partying, my night-outs with friends without your approval must have caused you a lot of grief. There are still so many stupid things I did, too many to list down here, but mom, I want you to know that I didnt do it to spite you nor to disgrace you, so Im sincerely sorry if I made you feel that way. Now that Im a mother myself, you have extended your love to my son as well, and thats another thing I want to thank you for. I couldnt forget that time you sneaked out a toy from the box intended for another grandkid of yours, and gave it to Zak instead as your Xmas gift. (Violent reactions from siblings...coming up!!!) Zak still has that HotWheels mom, he calls it his super hotwheels talking car.




When I was still a sickly young kid, you were more worried than any other person, especially when the pain in my legs left me sleepless at nights. You are still the person that cries most when something happens to us. Remember that time when you were in the US and I called you early dawn? You were alert enough even in your sleep to listen to us, the only fiasco then was while you were trying to calm me down, you thought it was another kid of yours...geez mom, thats the problem attached to having lots of kids, you cant tell who's who...but kidding aside, I do regret having called you that day, if only for the reason that I have made you worry about me...so again sorry about that.


I have managed to live on my own beacause I didnt want to burden you with the motherly responsibilities that Im sure you would always assume even as grown up as I am now. You always made your house available to us, always put food on the table....even if you still have to buy medicines for your never ending body pains. You even want to cut short your vacation so that you can start sewing the uniforms of your grandkids...Mom, you mean to all of us more than you will ever know.


I want you to know that it breaks my heart everytime you complain of something, especially when all I could do is just listen to your sobs. You are a very strong woman mom, so strrong that when we are weak, we only think of you and then our strength is regained.

Yes, you are truly one caring mom. You have set by example the meaning to the words: humility, hospitality, selfless love, sacrifice and fairness. You are like a hen, covered us with your feathers so that we dont fall prey to the hungry eagles.




What else can we ask from you mom, when you have given more than what you should?
Think about yourself, think of what makes you truly happy. Think of the good memories, and keep them in your heart. Beacause in our hearts, you will always be there forever.

I love you so much mom. Thanks a million lots! Happy Mother's Day!




Jubang and Zach