I have a secret. My family and I celebrate every time a school year ends. You might think that we’re celebrating because my kids consistently bring home medals. Yeah, that’s one thing. But let me tell you the truth. We celebrate because the end of the school year means we survived another 10 months of hard work, blood and sweat — not only our kids but our family as a whole.

Our Story

I know you guys will agree that it is not easy to send kids to a private school — especially for full-time employees like us who do not have other businesses on the side. There’s a lot of money involved and a lot of time required to participate in school activities (Family Days, Variety Shows, etc) or attend programs and PTA meetings, too. But aside from these, it is also equally challenging to ensure that our kids have everything they need for school everyday. There were so many instances in the past when my husband and I would panic, searching for weird things that our kids needed to bring to class. For example, there was one time when our kids needed wigs the following day. I was like, “Where on earth will I get a wig at this hour?!” But that’s not the end of the story.

My husband and I both work. We do not have a maid. He gets home around 6:00 PM, already exhausted. I, on the other hand, take care of our little one in the morning and work in the evening. So whenever there are examinations or a lot of homework, the kids are not the only ones who get drained — us, too. In fact, it’s only during summer vacations when my husband and I get enough sleep.  LOL

A Mother’s Pride

But you know what? Amidst all these challenges, I am grateful that my children are not quitters. My kids do not give up. They study hard and yet stay committed to their responsibilities at home a.k.a. chores. They do what they have to do to finish the school year with flying colors. There were several situations when I had to tell them to take a day off and rest or lessen their involvement in sports or the dance club or the poster-making events.  But there’s just no stopping them.  I am, without a doubt, very proud of them. I take pride in their attitude, grit, perseverance and drive to be the best version of themselves.  What more can a mother ask for?

Messages From The Heart

Now that another school year closed, I wrote a short message for my kids. I paused for a moment and reflected on everything that happened that year. I recalled all those times when I got so caught up with work and couldn’t help them with their homework because I had my own deadlines to meet. I remember those days when I failed to attend a parents’ assembly or a PTA meeting because I worked overtime and slept late.  I was and will never be a perfect mother but my heart is filled with joy because I know that my kids love me despite all my imperfections.

 

My annoying asthma attacks won’t stop me from enjoying this day with you, guys. Thank you for all your hard work. You’ve made me so proud. I am so filled with gratitude not only because of your awards but also because I see how much you wanted to make me happy. Thank you for understanding my inadequacies as a mom; for not holding grudges because of all the times I wasn’t there for you; for playing Resident Evil even if you don’t like to just so you can kill that effin’ zombie for me; for helping me with household chores; for taking care of your little sister; for accepting my mood swings; and of course for loving me and respecting me.