Wed, Feb 15, 2012 @ 12:31 P.M.
It is lunch break. Popped! My mind’s jiggling with cake ideas. The one I must bake tonight. I know I would be busy later as I was last 14th and haven’t had a good sleep yet, so I must put this written down. Tomorrow, a year later, I will give this article I wrote last year. She—Mama, haven’t received this yet. One year late is too much of a history. Anyhow, it will be delivered tomorrow in hard copy.
February 16th, her 70th birthday is an exclusive day for family members. My heart is greatly pierced with a dagger. I had always…we had always wanted to be complete. Somehow, life’s harsh realities are still biting on us. At one point, I said, it is when we are closer to God when we are even more exposed and in deep trouble mode. Yes! It is His way of cleansing us. Because He knows, we can carry the burdens. Yes He knows! He knew it! And that’s what he said long ago. It is very clear to me now. It has to happen. In a way, we least expect it. The ultimate way out is Him, the only court of justice. And we are waiting…I am waiting. I am in pain, but with great hope. The bottom line is, word for word, HE KNEW THE TRUTH. Human justice is weak because of the intricacies of the system. That’s it! That is my point! But in one flick of a finger, HIS will, HIS words…will dominate it. And I say, very soon, Mama’s fervent prayers will be ours. In God’s time, mountains will move…and so it will happen…Amen!
Mamang Lola, as my daughter calls her, forever we will be at your side. A call we heed. A call our father gave us. On your natal day, our prayers are deep for you: good health, safe home and community, peaceful living and forgiving hearts. That is all that matters most. We love you!
Thu, Feb 24, 2011 at 12:04 AM
February 16, 2011 is a date. The date my mother Elisa Ancheta-La Plana, 69, first blew a birthday cake. It was no ordinary cake. It was a cake made of pure love to the extraordinary woman and mother of seven.
Mama's 69th Bday Cake
The word simple is the only descriptive word her family and friends used to describe her. She keeps few personal belongings which can only be replaced when these are completely torn and tattered. She eats simple dishes, wears simple clothes and on top of that all, she lives simply.
Born to a farmer family with nine siblings, she was raised in the farm in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. At a young age, she is exposed to farming. She recalls enjoying her hard work when during palay harvest; she is given an amount to compensate her time in the rice field. She left Labason for good and joined her godparents in Titay and served as working student. She was with her godparent’s children; the Mariano’s who were then studying at Marian Academy, now Marian College, in the nearby town of Ipil. Her perseverance paid off for she graduated cum laude with a degree in education at 26.
Her teaching stint ended shortly when she chose to become a full time mother. To augment the family’s income, she sells anything from ice candy, dried fish to barter items she sourced from Zamboanga City’s barter trade. She was able to put a small grocery store, bought and personally supervised the farm, and put up our now 31 year old house. Father’s a corporate man while mother is the all-rolled-into-one mother, farmer, businesswoman and handy-man.
Partying, celebrating a special occasion, and dining out have never been her lifestyle. She had never eaten at Jollibee food chain neither. Never took a commercial airplane or a ride. Her pastime is taking care of backyard vegetables and animals. She always has options to buy alternative products.
Father died 10 years ago and left the family in emotional distress, she stood up even when she was frailty. The more her hands and feet were exposed to physical labor at an age when she needs physical relaxation. The calloused hands and feet were hone over time.
Seven children, seven sets of character, seven sets of problems, and seven sets of solutions—these and more, she faced and is still facing. She is our light and our portal. The looks of her face spell hardships yet her inner glow spells relief.
She is extra ordinary! She left her career for motherhood responsibilities. As a mother and wife, she gave it all. She deserves more than just a cake with her edible image on it.
Such awe inspiring to hear from Mrs. Puloy Pelonia, her colleague at Marian College, ended her birthday message by describing her as “…such a low profile, but powerful woman…”
Indeed, mama is one unsung heroine with no corporate recognition. Yet in her children’s hearts, she is a woman to emulate and worthy of laudable appreciation like all ordinary mothers out there.
Mama with grand daughter Elisha
