Happy Women’s Day! Or Month! Or Year! No matter how you celebrate today, know that you, as a woman, is entitled to celebrate yourself anytime of the year, or everyday even!
Back when I was young, I remember women were associated with fickle-mindedness, probably because of mood swings and whathaveyous, that’s why typhoons are named after women (not anymore the case nowadays, thankfully!). But aren’t women also decisive, organized, and focused? I really didn’t get that comparison!
Anyways, that’s not what we’re going to debate over this blogpost, but I just want to share that as women, we tend to look up to our own heroes as we go through the process of life transitions. And here I am again (long time no blog!) to share these women who helped me be the woman I prayed to be. Still a work in progress, as I will soon parent a teenager (Ha! Where did time actually go!), so that’s another story for another day.
Here I go!
1. Of course, my family. My mom who was widowed rather early in life, my Lola who mothered seven children and still taking care of her apos and great grandchildren, and my so many aunts, cousins, and lolas–mothers, singles, career people in their own right. Seeing them and being with them on a regular basis made me pick up the good things they did for the family, and throw away the bad they may have done in the past.
2. My friends and colleagues from the music world, and there are many. I admire those who have continued their careers even beyond marriage, and I surely picked up a thing or two from their stories. I admire as well those who chose to dedicate their lives to the families they have been blessed with, or those who met crossroads in their musical careers and chose to do other things, that’s also a challenge to choose between personal career and family.
3. My church community–fellow volunteers and mothers of my choir members. Can’t deny the fact that I spend more time doing church work nowadays and seeing fellow volunteers every Sunday and other days of the week when we’re needed. They’re the most selfless people I know, dedicating their time, talent, and treasure in the Shrine community and in other outreach activities. On top of this list is Nanay Pining(+), the mother of the Shrine’s first Rector, Msgr. Bobby, who was very supportive of Mons Bobby in his priestly ministry.
4. My few true female friends who always got my back. One message or call and they’re there for me and my family. I am truly grateful for you all!
5. My Mommy Choir, the Nawtingales, and the bigger community we belong to, the Nawies. It’s no accident that I was put by the Lord in this online group, which has been a great source of inspiration, support, and now music through the Nawtingales.
6. LATCH Philippines and Breastfeeding Pinays. Grateful for being a part of these communities strongly advocating breastfeeding and proper nutrition for children.
7. Our Lady of La Leche Movement. The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche made me a better and gentler mother. It was a unique devotion that I get to share to fellow Catholics and believers who wish to find a spiritual source of strength as they rear their children.
8. My ninangs. Principal Sponsors in our wedding. I get to message them once in a while and they are always there for us.
9. My Ariadne. I have the honour to parent a beautiful, funny, creative, smart, and faithful child of God. Can’t wait for what God has designed her to be as she continues to discover the world she’s growing up on.
There you have it! Hope I didn’t get to miss anyone. So grateful to be surrounded by strong, courageous, women who truly make this world a much brighter place.
Happy Women’s Day! Or Month. Or Year!
~ Touringkitty
