I scoured my photo archives for this picture. I know we have a better picture of a photo op with her but I must have forgotten to scan that one. Either that or I did not think I would need to scan it. I now regret it. I know I should have done something for posterity's sake. (Will text my brother-in-law to look for it and scan it for me as this would be a reminder for my children that they were with her).
I remember distinctly when we were in the same event that she attended in Quezon Province. She came with her entourage (I think Ballsy was with her) --- bodyguards and her grandson, Joshua. She was as humble and as simple as expected. No pretenses at all. She greeted us all with sincerity and was very down-to-earth, joking and laughing with everyone else. I remember that after a few words with my Nadine, she said that Nadine was a beautiful girl. My heart swelled with pride then and again now as I think back about it.
The outpouring of grief and solidarity in the past days has shown how much she is admired and loved by the Filipinos. Here was a woman whose death has impacted us all. Her passing is a loss to everyone. But much more to the children and family she has left behind.
Before she became a President, before she became a champion for democracy, Cory was first and foremost a mother. She practically brought up five children single handedly while Ninoy was incarcerated during Martial Law and finally killed in the early 80’s. It takes strength and great character for one to be able to do just that. And she did it with flying colors.
I can imagine how difficult it must have been for her. And how painful it must be to be alone when she sees her children stumble and fall in their mistakes. I have always believed that there is a reason why it takes two people to be parents. It is more than just to create a child. It is to work hand in hand, to complement each other in bringing up that child to be the best of what he or she could be.
With the absence of Ninoy, Cory had taking the reins of parenthood on her own bringing up not only one or two but five children on her own. And all five children have been successful in their own rights. Among all her achievements and accomplishments, I think this is the most admirable. Her experience, coupled with her deep spirituality, was her source of strength. And she carried this strength on in everything that she did.
As Kris in her eulogy said, Cory as a mother loved unconditionally but will not tolerate your mistakes. She expected only the best from her children. She supported her children wholeheartedly but never asked anything for return. Here was a mother who will not compromise dignity and principles for anything.
As a people, we will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she has made for us. But as a mother, I am thankful for the example that she demonstrated.
