#SummerinBoracay 2011
When the gremlins told us that they were joining the school's Outreach Program to Romblon, I hesitated for a bit. I had to ask them several times, especially Rago, the younger one, "Are you sure? You're going to take a boat and cross the sea from Batangas to Romblon. The boat ride will take you 4 to 5 hours. Are you sure?" And their father asked, "Is that your final anwer?"
Both chorused, "Yes!"
Fine! I have to remind myself, they are no longer kids. They are teenagers! They can start to be responsible. And they are now starting to venture out on their own.
In retrospect, they are braver than me. Ha ha... I was Gabo's age when I left home in Iligan to go to University here in Manila. I still remember that as my father and I traveled farther away from Iligan and nearer to Cagayan de Oro where the airport is, I felt lonelier and lonelier.
Well, I don't really have problems with my kids going on a field trip or an outreach, especially of this kind. This is where they will learn more about life, go beyond their comfort zone, get to know other people of different backgrounds, and most importantly, they will learn about volunteerism and advocacy. It is through volunteerism and advocacy that they develop concern, care for people, and passion for a cause. For me, if you have passion, you will pursue the meaning of your life.
My worry mostly lies in the fact that they would take the boat to Romblon. That means crossing the ocean. What if in the middle of it, they would suddenly feel scared, panicked and ill? Extreme fear can lead to trauma, you know, and I don't want that to my children.
What can a mother do, but to pray that they will have a good journey.
Judging from their text messages, I know they are having a good time. They talked about having fun swimming in the sea, about Rago not getting a good sleep, eating only vegetables and fish (na di boneless, according to Rago - ha ha!), throwing a party for Sr. Divine because it is her feast day...
I am sure more stories will be shared when they come home tomorrow night. Each of them will race against each other to tell us his own version of stories. They are like that. When you ask them, "Oh how was your day in school?" They would blurt out a thousand-and-one stories that happened in school at the same time! Ha ha!
When the kids cross the ocean by themselves, they learn to know more about themselves, the parents learn to let go and trust the Lord more, and definitely, new memories are made.
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26 comments
It's just hard if their teens na noh? Alam na nila yung gusto nila. Yung sa kin mga babies pa lang, pero iniisip ko pa lang na lalaki sila parang ayoko na hehehe
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Neri! Kaya importante nurture mo closeness and openness nyo. :)
DeleteI feel your worry! I remember wanting that kind of independence beginning when I was a preteen. Any inkling of my parents' refusal made me label them as OA right away. But now, just the thought of my child going on this adventure scares me!
ReplyDeleteGood job, Mommy for "letting go". ;)
Thanks, Maine! Something we need to do, even if we don't want to sana. Hehe
DeleteWow! Your kids are brave. And so are you Mommy! I pray I'll have the courage to "let go" of my little ones when the time comes...
ReplyDeleteYes, you will be ready by then. :)
DeleteGreat job, mummy! From what I see, they are being raised well. Advocacies play a big role in my family. As a parent, I believe, no matter how much good there is in what they want to do, there's always that worrywart in us. :) Lalo na kung aalis sila ng di tayo kasama.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we never stop being parents to children even if the children are grownups na. Hehe!
DeleteRomblon is such a wonderful place! Your kids are blessed to have parents like you who encourage their sense of adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maan! :) Yeah, we try to be... :) Besides in this trip, the teachers and nuns in school were with them. Guess that made the decision easier for us.
DeleteWow, milestone! Our stories of letting go of our forever "babies" will be never ending! Cheers to motherhood! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Joy! hahaha
DeleteI wish I have your outlook once my 2 girls grow up na. Of course, I'd like them to be brave pero I can't imagine them being by themselves, doing things without me haha. mommy having premature separation anxiety here :D
ReplyDeleteHahaha mommyKach! :) Sometimes, we parents gotta do something for the overall well-being of our children. By God's grace, we can do it!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI wish I have your outlook once my 2 girls grow up na. Of course, I'd like them to be brave pero I can't imagine them being by themselves, doing things without me haha. mommy having premature separation anxiety here :D
ReplyDeleteHahaha Cath! Am sure when the time comes, you will know what to do. ;)
DeleteI'm happy that you let your kids explore. I know where your worry coming from and I will feel the same way in that kind of situation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lady Ann! :)
Deleteoh my, I'm not ready for this yet. I was raised by super strict parents, so I am making a very conscious effort to not be the same. I hope to be as brave as you when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteYou will be Nina! :)
DeleteI'm glad they are safe and that they had a great time! Honestly, feeling ko when i'm at this stage na rin wherein nagpapaalam ang anak ko sakin para pumunta sa malayo... Uhm... Hindi yata ako makakatulog! Haha! But you're right, they're teens already. A critical stage of life. It's good that you are letting them learn life on their own. After all, we, mothers are here to give support, not to dictate what they should do. Hihi
ReplyDeleteYes, Michelle! Eventually, we have to learn to let go. :D
DeleteSooner or later my son who is 9years old will be a teenager. Ngaun pa lng iba na gusto nya and he has his circle of friends already and they have their own world sometimes. As a mom im afraid to let him go... Sana not too soon..for me he is still a baby and parang ayoko sya lumaki :-(
ReplyDeleteTime flies, mommyQ... but am sure you will learn to let go in tim! :)
ReplyDeleteit must have been an awesome experience for your boys, although, am sure you worried a lot while they are crossing the ocean. Parenting boys is really all about balancing between being a cool mum and worry-wart mum, right?
ReplyDeleteShare your thoughts...