slacker mommy files

The other night, one of the most remarkable women in the world was laid to rest. I can only imagine how her family feels about her passing. Their tearful faces, their mourning, their loneliness failed to go unnoticed as apathetic cameramen trained their scopes on them. Their goodbyes to their mother melted my heart, and I forget my prejudices and conspiracy theories, and feel only sympathy and empathy.

    I was only five when Ma. Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino took the mantle of leadership back in 1986. While I was busy losing my lego blocks under my granduncle’s house, this faithful housewife went and continued her husband’s legacy. She fought for freedom from a dictator and democracy to the people as she perceived it. She stirred some embers and fanned them into a forest fire of action. And so the Tyrant was toppled by the words and convictions of a Widow.

    All her achievements for the country, I am only truly learning them now. I was too busy discovering myself during my high school days to give it any second thought, and I was too busy imposing my individuality during college to be bothered with it. But I do know that she was in the forefront when the people ousted Erap back in 2001. She was also there, four years later, when the allegations of electoral fraud were pointed against GMA. The Mother is still protecting her people’s interest and their freedom.

    As the years passed, she kept her vigil and despite the onset of disease, she persevered. She stayed steadfast for her family, for her people. Until the very end, she was, and still is, Mother to this nation. Our country will never be the same, now that she have left us to fend for ourselves. I only pray that her memory live in each and everyone of us left here, and may we all be faithful and steadfast as she is.

Farewell, dear Mother.

Goodbye, Madam Cory...