"Distance teaches us to appreciate the days that we are able to spend together and the waiting only makes these moments more precious." This quote hits home every single day as I navigate life thousands of miles away from the ones I hold dearest. Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a difficult job and it’s indeed commitment to sacrifice for my family's future, a promise made with every sunrise in a foreign land. I still remember the morning my Mom left to work in Saudi Arabia. I was barely eight, I clung to her leg while she bid goodbye to us, her eyes were clouded with tears. It was many years ago and I was not sure if I understood why my Mom had to go so far away. Fast forward, my children had to go back to Philippines while I stay here in Saudi. As I hugged them, feeling their fingers grip me tighter, a part of me wanted to drop everything and go with them. But the harsh sting of my own childhood memories - days clouded with doubt and half-fulfilled hopes, and nights spent dreaming of a brighter tomorrow- fueled my resolve. I kissed them and whispered promises of a better life, a future where they wouldn’t have to face the hardships I did. The daily grind here is tough. Work is more than just the hours I put in; it's also navigating through a maze of office drama and politics. It feels like walking a tightrope, trying to balance maintaining peace and standing up for myself. And amidst this, the loneliness of being away from home often sweeps over me like a cold wave. But then, I think of my children’s laughter, the dreams I have for them, and I find the strength to push forward. I have a lot of side hustles not because I want to but because I must. Each extra effort I do, every additional riyal I save, is for them. It’s for my eldest’s dream to go to college without the shadow of uncertainty hanging over her future. It’s for the little one who dreams of being a forensic doctor, because she thinks mysteries are cool. It’s for every time they need something or when they want to enjoy their youthfulness, I would be able to provide. These aren’t just aspirations; they are the fuel that keeps me going when my body screams for sleep and my heart aches for home. Despite the distance, I strive to be there for my kids in any way I can. Whenever we chat or catch up over video calls, I get to hear all about their stories and small victories. My heart swells with pride, yet it breaks a little because I couldn’t be there to share such moments in person. To my children, know that every sacrifice is made with you in mind, borne out of a love so deep and enduring that no ocean can dilute it. And to those who share this path of sacrifice, remember why we embarked on this journey. Our dreams for our families are worth every hardship. With each day that passes, I count down the moments until I can hug my children again. Those last hugs and whispered promises we shared before I left are what keep me going. They remind me that every hard day is worth it because it brings me closer to a future where we can be together, laughing and sharing life face-to-face. I imagine that happy day a lot, a future where we are together again, sharing not just dreams, but everyday moments of laughter and love.
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Eight years ago today, I was here in Saudi Arabia, thousands of miles away from home, when my phone rang early morning. It was one of those calls you never want to get. My sister was on the other end, and her voice broke as she told me that Dad had passed away. That moment knocked the wind out of me. I felt like the ground had been pulled from under my feet. Dad was my hero. He wasn’t just the person who was my biggest fan or the one who held my hand whenever I was afraid; he was my go-to person for any problem, big or small. Losing him felt like losing my way in the world. Nothing seemed right without him, and everything reminded me of him- the memories we shared and the lessons he taught me. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and strength. He taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, and compassion. He showed me what it means to be a good person, and how we should strive every day to live up to the example he set.
When we finally arrived, stepping into our neighborhood was like stepping into a different life. We entered the funeral house, which was full of people who loved Dad, all sharing stories about him. Tito Del told us about the time Dad and him were both young and they were chasing pretty girls. We all laughed through our tears. It was painful but beautiful to remember not just that we lost him, but how wonderfully he had lived.
These memories, these shared laughs and tears, they keep Dad alive for us. Even though there’s this dad-shaped hole in my life, there’s also a treasure trove of moments like these that no one can take away. Every day, I try to live in a way that would make him proud. I hope he knows how much I miss him and how much I love him. So today, I just want to say: Dad, thank you for every laugh, every lesson, and every moment. I miss you more than words can say, and I love you forever. You were the best dad anyone could ask for, and every day, I carry a part of you with me. I hope I’m making you proud and until next time we see each other again. Have you ever smelled something that suddenly took you back to a treasured memory? From the time I was a little kid, sneaking into my parents' room to sniff my mom's collection of lovely fragrances, I've been captivated by the world of perfumes. Those early days, filled with the scents of her colognes, lotions, and perfumes, sparked a lifelong passion. As I grew up, this fascination evolved into a quest to find the perfect scent that not only smelled wonderful but also felt like a true reflection of who I am. One bustling weekend, I found myself in a popular mall in the Philippines, drawn into a modern perfume boutique nestled among lively shops and vibrant cafés. The store was a modern haven of scents, with each bottle shimmering under the sleek lighting, inviting me to discover its secrets. The owner, a woman with a radiant smile, quickly noticed my interest. She approached me and began sharing stories behind each fragrance with such enthusiasm that I felt instantly transported to different worlds. I opened up about my childhood experiments with my mother’s perfumes, explaining my quest for a scent that mirrored my personality—something vibrant yet grounded, with an underlying complexity.
This encounter in the bustling mall wasn't just about finding a new perfume; it was about reconnecting with a part of myself. This signature scent, discovered in an unexpected place, became a symbol of my identity—tying together the threads of my youth with the woman I have become. It reminded me that sometimes, the perfect fragrance finds you when you least expect it, in places as familiar as home.
Discover Your Signature Scent with Seventeen Scents Inspired by my journey? Start your own with Seventeen Scents. Explore their diverse collection of fragrances that promise something for everyone, whether you're looking for something vibrant and energetic or deep and grounding. Visit their Facebook page at Seventeen Scents and let your fragrance journey begin today! Mother’s Day has always been a cherished occasion in my life, a day for celebration and reflection. Over the past two decades, I have been working abroad, far from my family, with fleeting moments to connect and cherish. My role took me away not only from my beloved mother, who passed after an arduous fight with cancer, but also from my two daughters, who, until two years ago, were my companions abroad. They have since returned to the Philippines, starting new chapters of their own lives. This quiet morning on my way to work, the city's usual buzz seemed to pause, allowing me moments of solitude to ponder the significance of this day. Our traditional Mother's Day celebrations have transformed over the years, adapting to the distances between us. My mother was a pillar of strength and wisdom. As I walked around the tall buildings at the Digital City, passing by the blooming flowers spread across the walkways, the vibrant blossoms reminded me of her garden, where she spent countless hours tending to her plants with the same patience and love she gave to us. She believed that gardens teach us about life; you nurture, and in time, you behold the beauty you've helped to grow. I remember her telling me, "Motherhood and gardening both require patience and a gentle hand." Her legacy lives in the lessons she taught and the unconditional love she gave, which continue to guide me every day. Living and working overseas for over two decades has meant missing countless family moments. The decision to stay abroad was never easy, compounded by the guilt and longing that come with every missed birthday, holiday, and milestone. However, seeing my daughters grow into independent, compassionate beings fills me with immense pride. They embody the resilience and strength that I, guided by my mother’s example, have always hoped to instill in them. Despite the physical distance, I always feel blessed whenever we share stories, laugh over past mishaps, and even cry a little. It is always a poignant reminder that the essence of mother-daughter bonds transcends any physical space. “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” — Robert Browning. This quote resonates deeply with me, especially today. The love between a mother and her children is a force that defies distance, circumstance, and even time itself. This Mother’s Day, from afar, I hold my daughters and the memory of my mother in my heart, celebrating the indestructible bond we share. I am reminded that despite the challenges, the heartstrings that connect us remain unbreakable. For those who are spending today away from their mothers or children, know that your love is felt, no matter the miles or years apart. I renew my commitment to nurture these bonds, to foster love and understanding, and to be the best mother I can be, honoring both the memory of my mother and the futures of my daughters. Even from across the oceans, our love continues to thrive, proving that the essence of motherhood is not bound by geography but is carried in the legacy we pass on and the timeless love we share. As I sit here this morning, sipping on my coffee that’s grown almost cold, my mind wanders through the many years I’ve spent here in Saudi Arabia. It's hard to believe it’s been more than two decades—a journey filled with ups and downs, much like a rollercoaster. And now, as my children stand on the threshold of college life, ready to leave the nest once more, I find myself reflecting on our time together and the changes looming ahead. The term 'adulting' often brings a smile to my face—it’s a funny little word that sums up the daunting, yet inevitable, process of growing up. Living through these formative years in a land so far from where I started in the Philippines has been nothing short of an adventure. When I first set foot in Saudi Arabia, I was brimming with youth and enthusiasm, naive to the challenges that awaited me. The learning curve was steep. I had to juggle the demands of work and family life, all while navigating the cultural intricacies of a place so different from my homeland. The workplace was particularly challenging, with its competitive atmosphere, work politics, and the office dramas that unfolded daily. Yet, it was here that I learned to merge my Filipino heritage with the local customs, creating a space where I could belong and excel. Above all, watching my children grow up has been the most rewarding part of my journey. From their first nervous day of school to their confident strides towards college, every moment has been precious. When they left Saudi Arabia, it felt like losing a piece of my heart, yet I find solace in knowing that they take a part of our shared life and values with them. To all the Filipino mothers out there, charting their paths through the complexities of adulthood, whether in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, remember this: You are stronger than you think, braver than you believe, and more resilient than you ever imagined. Whatever challenges come your way, you are equipped to face them with courage and grace. |
HappinessWhat makes me happy?
People. Everyone around me who believes and inspires me. Life itself is a happy experience. The world is a happy place. I had my own share of struggles, life was not easy for us back then but my Dad taught me how to believe in myself, work hard , be kind and to be strong. He inspired me to go out of my comfort zone. He used to tell me that the possibilities in life are endless and so I believed him. l Iost him quite a few years ago but he has left me with so much inspiration to follow my dreams - to visit places I have only dreamt of or have seen in the movies when I was little and to do things I thought were only for the privileged few. Wherever I go, I always remember my Dad, wishing he could see me from afar and somehow be proud of me as I have always been so proud of him. Life is short and I promised him that I would make the most of mine. Travelling makes me happy and in all other things, I choose happiness. We all should- always.. Memen Archives
May 2024
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