My Mother, My Father, and Everything

Her name is Mely Cruz Canlas, she was raised in a lower-class family and grew up in Manaoag, Pangasinan, where she would work in a vegetable stall at the market. She is a mother of three, the most supportive person I have ever met, my first best friend, and my hope. She is the most caring person in my life, providing me with everything I need.

She is the most caring person you will ever meet and the most forgiving. She sees the brightest things in life that will go over people's heads. She's cheerful, beautiful, intelligent, and funny, making me feel I could achieve anything I put my heart into. She is the one that checks up on me every single night to know that I am resting.

She provided me with everything and more; she treated us with the utmost care and affection and never stopped supporting us in our endeavors. She taught me to be humble in life, to show grace and sympathy, and to remember that no matter how far you are away from home, she is there for you. My mother always believed in me and told me there was something extraordinary in me and that I was destined for greatness. Until now, I carried her words and trust in me wherever I go. She made me feel safe, sound and protected with her. ​

My mother always showered me and my siblings with love and affection. Indeed, a mother's life has no bound. Where every mistake you make, every failure, every rejection, she will always have her arms ready to hold you. She never made me feel unwanted and always showed me the way toward righteousness by God's whim. For everything my mother has sacrificed for us, I hope one day I can pay her back for everything she did for me. I will never stop until I make her so proud of me that she gets everything she ever wanted. In every trial I face and challenge I conquer, I will do it for her and for the dream to repay her for everything.

On the 19th day of March, 2020, a few weeks after our Recognition Rites, when my beloved mother finally left us. Her struggles in fighting breast cancer finally ended. It was the saddest part of my life that I will never forget. It is tough to accept, but at least I know she is in a better place where she can finally be with my father, who also passed away fifteen years ago.