MOTHERS KNOW BEST
by Esther
Hello folks,
When I started college in the Philippines, I studied hard and worked at the same time to supplement the meager money available for my education. My dad was a minister & my mom a stay-home mother caring for my younger siblings.
My dream of becoming a nurse someday inspired me to apply to work at the Philippine Union College school clinic. I looked forward to further my studies at Manila Sanitarium & Hospital (MSH) School of Nursing.
But one day, I was summoned to the administrative office and was told there was a note in my file written by one of the school physicians that I was not fit to be a nurse and would not be accepted at the nursing school if I did not do something to correct it from my records. I said, "that's fine," and I did not try to find out why (can't argue with superiors). Yes, I was surprised but undaunted.
Fortunately, I read in one of the magazines at school about Loma Linda University. I sent an application right away. A few months later, a friend (Ceres Arevalo) who worked at the administrative office, excitedly told me that I had a letter from USA and was handed to my Dad.
My Dad kept the letter away from me -- he did not agree with my plans, but when he found out I was so persistent, he gave the letter & I opened it right away. Yes, I did understand my father's concern--he thought I was not old enough to go to a foreign country; but with my mom's loving support and encouragement, I quietly prepared myself to pursue my dreams overseas.
I even sneaked-in one time to get the keys to dad's car while both mom & dad were having a nap. I then asked my younger brother Sam to drive me to the US Embassy for my English proficency test & interview. On our way coming back home, the car broke down and this was how they (mom & dad) found out what I was up to!
Few years later, I returned to the Philippines and visited my old school. Suddenly, I was approached by someone I knew very well and he began to apologize. I said (with a smile in my heart) that I forgave him long time ago (smile...again)!
Folks, I did not loss hope in spite of the thought somebody decided that I was not fit to be a nurse -- but I became one -- by hard work, by sheer determination (self-supporting student in USA), and by the help of God and my dear mom. Not only that, I married a physician!
I found out later, Ben also was not accepted to start his Residency at the Manila Sanitarium & Hospital even after he was voted as the "Best Intern of the Year." One of our wedding sponsors, Dr. Celedonio Fernando, a well-known physician & surgeon, encouraged him to go to Cagayan Valley Sanitarium & Hospital, another institution northeast of the Philippines. He was happy to train Ben while waiting for his visa to go to the United States.
This made me smile, Ben & I experienced almost identical mountains to climb! There were reasons these things happened in our lives but we thank God for them.
Mother's Day I remember my dear mom whom I miss so much. It was with great honor to be one of many who helped took care of her before she passed away. Yes, mom & I reminished how we grew up and did well on our own and she encouraged me to continue my service to others. She knew my passion for caring --I often cared for my siblings in my parent's absence.
For all of you beloved moms, "Happy Mother's Day!"
