Indeed, the greatness of mothers is a sentiment that resonates universally, However, in my eyes, my mother is the greatest.
I witnessed the art of multitasking firsthand through my mother. She effortlessly orchestrated the symphony of daily tasks: cleaning the house, tending to laundry, crafting meals, and lulling us to sleep with tender lullabies. Her gentle voice would resonate with the melodies of Frank Sinatra's "Meditation," creating a soothing atmosphere.
I recall the first time we acquired a cassette recorder. Driven by the intention to weave her melodies into our bedtime routine while managing household chores, my mother embarked on an experiment. With the gadget still a novelty, she embarked on a rendition of "... I will wait for you, meditating how sweet life will be when you come back to… me…". As her angelic voice reached the final notes, a puzzled expression adorned her face. Fumbling for an appropriate ending, she uttered in Hiligaynon, "te ano dayon?" (What comes next?). I can still vividly remember the hearty laughter that ensued, as everyone joyously seized on those last three words, accompanied by her lilting Ilongo tone, forever etched into the recording. Subsequent attempts to erase those three words were met with frustration; the quirky finale becoming a cherished family jest. Since that moment, she has refrained from interacting with the recorder, deeming it an enigmatic tool.
Culinary genius is another facet of my mother's greatness. Her repertoire spans from the simplicity of Good Friday's offering – six boiled eggs with a can of sardines – to the extravagance of Christmas delicacies: chicken macaroni salad, chicken curry, all-beef spaghetti, pochero, pancit bijon, prawn thermidor, and more. Her culinary creations are an undeniable delight, prompting one to salivate at the mere thought. Undoubtedly, she crafts and cooks the most extraordinary dishes in the vast and untamed world of cuisine.
Our family journeyed through heydays of abundance and weathered the nadir of scarcity. Throughout these varying seasons, my mother's spirit remained unbreakable. Amidst challenges, her optimism never wavered, and her demeanor was perpetually buoyant.
She carried the weight of responsibility with remarkable grace. Once, I inquired about her earrings, to which she replied, her gaze slightly evasive, "They are securely guarded." One by one, her jewelry found a haven in the pawnshop's secure vault. Selling a myriad of items – from Avon products to chorizo – she explored every avenue to make both ends meet. In a light-hearted exchange about empty Tanduay bottles, she quipped, "Buy and sell. My husband buys Tanduay; I sell the empty bottles." Amidst this financial squeeze, she shielded us from undue concern. Our table remained adorned with delectable feasts, a testament to her unwavering love and resourcefulness.
Today, on Mother's Day, I am compelled to convey a message to her: She is the paragon of maternal greatness. Undoubtedly, she extends this exceptional motherly prowess to my sister and my brothers. Through this tribute, I wish to celebrate her, the embodiment of love, dedication, and boundless sacrifice.
