Mother's Day

When we were young, there were three occasions the Wicked Alvarez Siblings used to prepare and save money for—June 3, my mom’s birthday; September 13, my parents’ wedding anniversary; and Mother’s Day. Never mind my father’s birthday. He really didn’t care much about gifts and stuff, but he always reminded us to cook up a surprise for Mama. And after all those years, Mama never failed to look surprised and happy to open our humble presents for her—be it a ceramic flower vase, a plastic picture frame, or even a do-it-yourself card. We children would be pleased with ourselves for making our mother laugh and cry at the same time.

Then we grew up. Then the cards and the gifts stopped coming.

Issa's creation at 7 years old: Glitters, shells, beads and colorful letters--ayluvett!

When I became a mother myself, I also experienced receiving artsy cards from my children on Mother’s Day. It was only then that I understood my mom’s reaction. Receiving these simple creations, I also felt elated especially when reading the innocent, funny, and honest dedications of my kids. At times, they said I was just pretending to be happy when I get ‘lame’ cards from them. But to a mother, these cards are special treasures to be cherished and kept forever. For I knew that when they reached a certain age, these touching moments would never come back.

I was right. They haven’t given me any card for the past two years or so. That’s why I'm thankful that I was able to collect all these cards in my baul. Let it be known that they have been corny and mushy and loving to their mom when they were kids, and they could never deny it. I have all the evidence at hand. When the Kiddos saw me scanning these cards, they had a laugh teasing each other how losers they were before. Ha! Wait till your children see them.

Yesterday, the Daughter proudly said she changed her profile picture to the one where we are together. So that's how she greets me now, huh, through FB. At least she still thought of me on this day. I'm still waiting what my boys will do. (Asa pa!)  

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. Know that I love you dearly. Just as I know my Kiddos also love me too. And Happy Mothers Day to all the great moms I know!!!