This week’s Mommy Moments’ theme is “Message to Mom.” This is the perfect time for us to express our love and concern for our ailing mom. Last April 28, Nanay underwent coronary angiogram (the procedure to see how much of her heart arteries is blocked). The results showed 80 to 90% blockage, which affected three coronary arteries. The doctor advised us that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or heart bypass surgery must be performed on her as soon as possible. We’re all trying our best to raise the amount needed for that procedure.

Nanay, you’ve always been our pillar of strength. That’s probably why when I was younger, I felt a strong sense of security whenever I was with you. I felt you could always protect me and keep me safe from harm. You were the one who always defended us and fought for us when there are people who caused us pain, emotional or otherwise.

When Tatay became unemployed when I was still in grade school, you had no choice but to work because there are many mouths to feed. You and Tatay exchanged roles; Tatay assumed the role of a stay-at-home mom, and you became our sole breadwinner. You were not ashamed to peddle foods in the streets, braving the scorching heat, just so you can feed us.

Ours was a love-and-hate relationship. I really hated your smoking. I remembered at a very young age, I asked Tatay why you could still smoke despite the fact that we’re poor. What I didn’t realize was you’re the one who’s bringing in the money, and smoking could have been your way of relieving stress. I hated your smoking because aside from spending money unwisely on your cigarettes, I knew it could lead to serious health risks in the future.

And I was right. In 2007, you suffered a minor stroke. Smoking and your late-onset diabetes had much to do with it. It took a while before you could really stop smoking, but I was glad that you’ve finally overcome that bad habit. And now your heart is greatly affected. You don’t know it yet because we preferred not to tell you about your heart condition until we’ve raised the amount needed for your bypass surgery.

Friends and family are helping us achieve this goal. We’re getting closer each day to our targeted amount, and we’re hoping, praying, that the surgery could be done soon. That’s to lessen your pain and give you back the quality of life that you deserve.

In the past, you would always tell us that we love Tatay more than we love you. That might be true because Tatay was there for us all the time. He became our mother dressed in a man’s clothes, and we appreciated him more for caring for us while you’re out there looking for ways to put food on the table. I guess we forgot that you were there for us, too, fulfilling a man’s responsibility.

We want you to live a long and healthy life. That’s why we’re storming the heavens with prayers for your good health and for financial help for your bypass surgery. We know that God is listening, and He understands the desires of our hearts. We hope your heart stays strong as we await the day that your bypass surgery can be done. We love you, Nanay, more than you know!

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