By Luis Sinangote

There is this unbearable yet dreamed-of feeling, unbearable in ways that it makes our hearts thump persistently—leaving our body uncoordinated and unnerved, yet ironically comforted. Similar to the cold of a ravaging thunderstorm, followed by warmth and comfort of the sun as it dries out the remnants of rain—this kind of feeling makes all of our emotions, including grief, fury, and joy, all manifest and combine to form one of the purest loves of all: a mother’s love. In line with women’s month, let this be a reminder of the appreciation we have towards the mother figures who have dedicated their lives to shape and ripen ours, as we hear from our teachers who have exemplified being both a mother at home and in school.

A mother’s love, although imperfect, is the greatest gift imparted to all of us—though some may not find this love from their biological mothers. It is nurtured differently from the people whom they consider as their mother figure. Just as imperfect a mother’s love is, it is undeniably special, “(A) mother’s love is unlike anything else, it is a special moment where you feel so blessed because you knew God chose you to bring life to this world […] and it taught me that it is a love that is unconditional and affectionate,” said Mrs. Johanna Dela Paz, a teacher under the science department of the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS).

On the other hand, a mother’s love is not only limited to being unconditional, but also embodies the traits of belongingness and a place for weakness. At any point of our lives, we encounter innumerable inconsistencies and adversaries that enable us to think less of ourselves, enveloping emotions that loosen our relationship with our loved ones and even to ourselves. However, all these drawbacks are soon replaced with warmth and comfort as our mothers become our source of strength, “(A) mother’s love is like medicine, even if you don’t need it, it will make you feel better,” expressed Mrs. Patricia Rivera, a teacher under the English department. 

Mothers, although unconditionally driven to love, also feel moments of exhaustion as they try to make time for themselves while also taking care of their children. According to Mrs. Rivera, in her line of work as a full-time teacher and a soon-to-be-mother, “It is physically draining given the nature of my work, which requires me to stand and talk for hours […] however, I see it as a choice rather than a sacrifice.” This only emphasizes how mothers are undeniably resilient, as they willingly and constantly make the choice to take the responsibility of enduring in both worlds. 

However, the proof of a mother’s resiliency is not limited to her simply balancing work and taking care of her children, but it also comes from the moment of her child’s birth. For many mothers, this irreplicable moment is the most memorable one of their lives—the time when they see their sacrifices fully manifested through a child who they will soon cherish deeply. “My pregnancy was a high risk and it was a difficult pregnancy, but I thought it was all worth it when I met my son in person […] I remember the first time I gazed into my son’s eyes in the hospital after I gave birth to him, it made me burst into tears,” said Mrs. Dela Paz. 

Similar to the experiences of Mrs. Dela Paz and Mrs. Rivera, mothers are represented differently as their experiences and the way they show their love for their children vary, but they all drive to the same conclusion that their love is unconditional and affectionate—indefinitely representing mothers as strong empowered women, making choices and sacrifices to ensure their children are rightfully guided and molded in the right path through their unique motherly love. 

A Child’s Love 

Nonetheless, the love coming from children are also perfectly imperfect and are nurtured by their mothers themselves. Like any other love, nothing is better represented than a love that is mutually felt by both the mother and her child, “A mother’s love is the hand that cares and guides us in our journey in life. They became our poles when we do not have any foundation yet and helped us to stand tall and look forward in our lives […] their love became a symbol of a pure heart with innocence that no matter what happens, it will be fully just love,” expressed Anika Anzano, a Grade 12 ASHS student. 

Moreover, a mother can be anyone to her children, she could be their hero, best friend, and confidant. These different versions paved the way of how a mother’s love ultimately shapes the lives of their children, “My mom is my best friend as she has helped me to become the most honest, open, and caring person I am today […] My mom is my provider, my confidant, my best friend, she’s everything I’d wish for in a person and that makes her the best mom ever,” said Gelaika Baniqued, another senior.

It is notably important to remember that mothers are not designed to be perfect. Every mother has their own unique way of expressing their love.  In the words of Baniqued, “If you ever doubt your mother’s love for you, just remember that the way they’ve learned to love may be different than how you want to be loved […] you are lovable and they love you, but maybe just in a way you cannot always understand.”

A Mother’s love is indeed different and so is the love of their children towards them, yet these distinct ways of showing affection lead to a mutual understanding of how we choose to love each other at the end of the day. “Through the love that is being taught by us, we become a person who is loved and who can love,” concluded Anzano.

A Message to Mothers

To all mothers out there, although there may be times when you are continuously challenged by your children, always remember that what matters is that you are trying your best. 

“You love your child for no reason. You just love the fact that they exist and they give meaning to your life too. You love them even if sometimes your choices, dreams, and desires do not align […] someday our children will follow our examples instead of advice, we are role models to them so make sure we are being the persons we want our children to become,” said Mrs. Rivera.

To all the mothers and mother-figures out there: your time with your children may be fleeting, but always remember that the success and growth that they possess right now are fruits of your endless sacrifices and love. This is the power you hold, and this is what makes you the best mother that your child could ever wish for. Your love might be described by a range of different emotions, like a ravaging storm and a streamline of comfort—but no words can ever truly encapsulate the integral and formative influence of that same love on your children. Your love manifests in many different, yet beautiful ways, and thus, we hope to dedicate the same love to you.