Sacrifice

“A Mother’s Silent Sacrifice” 

I am a mother of a seafarer.

When my son first went on board, he told me,

“Nanay, every month, I will send money for you.”

He gave me his ATM card, and every month I would withdraw the allotment he left. I used it for our daily needs—food on the table, electricity, and the small expenses that keep a home running.

One day, when he returned home, he asked me:

“Nanay, where is the money I sent? What did you build with it?”

I explained to him that what he sent went to our meals, bills, and the things that kept our family going. But I saw in his eyes disappointment, because what he expected was something tangible—something “naipundar.”

Since then, he decided to handle his money himself. He no longer gave me his card, but whenever he came home, he would buy our groceries and sometimes even leave us some cash. It was different, but at least, we still received his help.

Years passed, and now he has his own partner, his own priorities. He told me he could no longer support me the same way as before. He even asked about the old money he had given. It hurt, because for me, that was never mine to keep—it was simply what we needed to survive at that time.

I wonder to myself:

“Am I entitled to my son’s allotment? Or is it right that now, his family comes first?”

In my heart, I know that a mother’s role is to understand. I will never demand from my children. What I gave them in love and sacrifice was never a loan to be repaid.

So I pray every day:

“Lord, give me patience and a humble heart. Teach my son that the real treasure is not money, but the love and respect we share as a family. Let not money divide us, but let it be a way to strengthen our bond.”

Money can come and go. But the bond between a parent and child is priceless. Love is not measured by how much we give or receive, but by the quiet sacrifices and the care we share through the years.

#MotherhoodSacrifice

#SeafarersLife

#FamilyOverMoney

#LoveBeyondWealth

#FilipinoFamily

#NanayStories

#UnconditionalLove

#StrengthOfAMother

#FaithAndFamily

#ParentChildBond