"He is your son… She is your mother."
by: John Reigh B. Celario
Growing up in an extended family, with three mothers is such a gift. I have been loved in three different ways. I have been raised in three different ways. I have been nourished in three different ways. My mom, whom I call "Mommy" works abroad as a domestic helper. My aunt, whom I call "Nanay" stands as a caretaker and took care of me as her own child. Lastly, my cousin, whom I call "Mama", stands as my mother in public.
Mommy Ellen worked in Dubai long before I was born. She works as a saleslady, store attendant, and even a domestic helper to raise me and provide for my needs. I was a grown-up child, in my point of view, when I met her. I can recall that I was in my grade 1 when I was introduced to her in person. That is totally new for me as I haven’t seen her face, nor stare at her eyes for the rest of my life. We both adjusted as we were introduced, it is like a cub being brought to her mum, or a bird coming back to its nest. Totally new that we were given time to adjust. Having been entrusted to someone by your own mother has been a joy and pain. Joy that I was filled with love, and pain of longing. But being introduced “to your mother” leaves a deep joy, a fill in a gap that was there, now being filled with so much love and care.
Nanay Susan is the first-born in a dozen siblings. She stands as their second mother, having been entrusted to the family and being an extra hand in caring for her siblings. To her old age, of 60 plus years old, there I was being brought into her home to take care and raise as if her own. She has been my solid foundation of faith. I vividly recall the times she prayed the rosary and sang a beautiful “Hail Mary” every time she finished her prayers. That up to now has been my foundation of faith and believing in the care of Our Mother.
Mama Julie is my first cousin, daughter of Nanay Susan. She is the first born in the family, in our case, the first born of all of the cousins in our family clan. Our age gap is appropriately fit to have me as her own child, and her as my own mother. She supported me in all of our school work and activities. She has been with me in every enrollment and field trips. She has been with me in all of the parents’ meetings and making requests to allow me to take the exam with a promissory note. She has been my parent, she sums up the role of being a mother and father, and I owe her a lot. From my faith, in attending charismatic group “El Shaddai”, and even being a social butterfly in every group she’s with. She has also been my model of being an employee with a good communication skill as I accompany her on her “trippings” in selling houses and lots in the South. Mama has been my mother, filling the same gap brought about by my mom and my father.
They have different roles in my life in which I am nourished and did not ask for a father’s care. Their love has been my fortress of strength and my refuge in times of desolation. I have been entrusted to their care by my Father in heaven, having a void from my own father. But this void does not come from pain, but with happiness in my heart that I have been loved by many, nonetheless by my three mothers.
God allowed pain and suffering so that we can see the beauty of prayers, grace, and in thanksgiving. With my three ladies in my life, they have been my sweet embrace and assurance that God loves me more that I deserve.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving me a chance to be loved and cared for. Teach me to be more loving everyday, and believing in your word as I journey through this life, with much belief with your goodness and grace. Amen.
