My children are the greatest gifts in my life. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific instance that has given me the most joy as a mother, because anything and everything I do with my kids never fails to make me happy.
I watch them grow and see traces of my husband and myself in them. I am happiest when I see them smiling. Being a mother entails a lot of sacrifice on my part. I’ve made quite a few difficult choices for the sake of my kids. But I have no regrets. The joys of being a mother far outweigh any or all difficulties.
This week, I asked other moms what being a mother means to them. Happy Mother’s Day!
Karen Davila, anchor/TV host: Being a mother has completed me. It has taught me to let go of matters that are temporal. Now, there is a life more valuable than mine – that of my son David Joshua. Every smile, his oohs and aahs – nothing comes close to these moments like this. Mornings are the best. David wakes up laughing. People tell me I am happier and more grateful now.
Marilen Concepcion, homemaker: The joy of motherhood starts with having a child in your womb. Then there’s the excuse to eat everything. After that, even just the sound of your baby’s laughter can make your day. The joys are countless and the memories last forever.
Patrice Ramos, fashion designer: For me, it’s the day-to-day situations which define motherhood. It’s seeing firsthand, the milestones in a child’s life (first steps, first words, first days in school). It’s being first in line at the pediatrician’s clinic. It’s having someone who believes that "mommy is sexy and pretty" even when she’s 20 lbs. overweight. It’s when you start to rejoice when your child is finally toilet-trained, and then you find out that you’re pregnant again. Most important of all, it’s knowing the meaning of unconditional love.
Tweety Gonzales, editor, Bride & Home Magazine: Motherhood has taught me to be young again. It has also made me more responsible. It has given me a new perspective of fun and dynamism. I’m crazy about my kids. I laugh all the time when I am with them.
Senator Tessie Aquino-Oreta: The greatest joy of being a mother is seeing your babies grow up to be responsible and loving sons and daughters. My four children have their own distinct traits, which are just heartwarming. Lenlen and Karmela are both malambing. My elder daughter Rissa is strong-willed. My youngest child Enzo, is still at a tender age and loves to play just like other kids.
What I find most fulfilling as a mother is seeing my four kids grow up humble and loving persons. Although they have grown up with relatively more privileges in life, my husband Len and I are happy that it has not gone to their heads.
Michi Calica Sotto, fashion designer: At the end of a multi-tasked day, my daughter Erin insists I read to her and Iana cries to be breastfed. The moment my "mission is accomplished," it’s pure bliss. It’s moments like this when I realize how awesome it is that I’ve actually become a better mother.
Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar: It’s seeing your child transform from infant to toddler to teenager and eventually, a responsible adult who is able to earn his own keep and even helps those who are in need. There is nothing more fulfilling for a mother than to see that she has raised her children who are assets to society.
Chat Silayan, actress/TV host: Children are rewards from the Lord. Seeing them grow up – from babies to these individuals who can speak their minds – is a miracle. Whenever I get a thank- you letter or a painting from my children, it’s like getting a love letter– it melts my heart.
Maritel Nievera, owner, Cabalen/Mangan restaurants: Motherhood has made my life meaningful. It has given me inner peace and contentment.
Marixel Laxa-Pangilinan, lifestyle writer/author: One of the greatest joys is being quickly and easily forgiven for my shortcomings. When my children say, "I want you, Mama" after a disagreement, it just makes my heart melt.