The Matriarch

A lot of us experiences the unconditional love of our grandmother. In fact, a lot of us grew up with them. In my case, since I am an illegitmate child, my grandmother has taken over motherhood because my mother needed to finish her studies.

Nanay, as how I call her, is the Matriarch of our family. She hails from Nasugban in Ilo-ilo.

Her love story with my grandfather happened when she was working in Manila as a nanny and there, my grandfather found her and they got married. By the way, we celebrated my grandfather’s death anniversary last February 1st. May he rest in peace.

Every once in a while, my grandmother shares to me her stories while she is still trying to make ends meet. She told me that she tried planting and harvesting “monggo”. She also experienced selling varieties of fruits in the market such as banana, starapples, rambutan, lanzones, mangoes and avocados. All of these fruits can be found in our backyard because she has been planting these trees way back. In fact, some of these trees are way older than me. 😂

Because of her dedication and love for all of us, she managed to expand her agricultural business which enables her to help those who are in need, especially in our family. In our barangay, she is very famous because a lot of people asks help from her. Even officials visit her and talk to her for advises. Although she is a traditionalist, which is very strong in terms of personality, she is very compassionate. She puts the interest of others first before hers. Even if she experienced heartaches, her love for her family takes over. For her, the person is always better than the sin.

Way back October of 2017, our family was devastated because she had a mild stroke. She was brought to Cebu but we have been transferring from one hospital to another because the facility was full. Good thing that she was able to get admitted at the Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital. I really am thankful to this hospital because they really took care of my grandmother during that time. Even after getting hospitalized, she really wanted to go to her plantation to visit the place and the workers. She really has an extreme passion in agriculture.

I am very much thankful of her sacrifices for me and for the whole family. Her guidance, may be extreme sometimes, are very effective because she made us resilient. All the broom and slippers, though painful, made us strong because she made us aware that life is painful than the slippers and broom and we just have to deal with it steadfastly.

As of this writing, she’s been calling me to wash the dishes. So I better go. I dont want broom nor slippers experience. I’m too old for it already. 😂

Anyway, I am happy that I have my grandmother with me. And I hope you will love your grandmothers and grandfathers, too. Although we are already in the new generation, the wisdom of old is always precious. The guidance and love that our grandmothers give toward us is the epitome of unconditional love.

Don’t forget to express your love to your grandparents. Even the simple act of housechores is more than enough in expressing that love.

Alright! I got to go and wash the dishes so that I will not see flying brooms and slippers toward me. 😂😂😂

Take care all of you!
Ampyng!