It’s crazy to think that my mom is already in her 50s yet in my mind, she’s still the person who’s on her 30s – the very first time that I could remember that I learned my parents’ ages.

…

For the 20 years of that life, a lot of things have changed. I have seen my parents’ growth not only in their careers but also as a person. My parents, especially my mom, as she’s the star of this piece ><, has been the most hardworking person I have ever seen, that sometimes I joke that I might have gotten those workaholic tendencies from her from time to time.

While growing up, I have heard my mom’s story on how she worked so hard to finish her studies by walking a long distance from their home just to reach their school during her elementary school days; applying for scholarships in high school and college; and being a working student during her undergraduate years. These are the things that I do not have to struggle so much with since my parents tried their best to give me the best education I could have. By hearing those stories, it felt like as the eldest, it is something that I should do too, so I applied for scholarships as well since my high school days.

Back then, it felt like a burden. They know it as I have told them, but then, they tried to compensate for it eventually by freeing me from that expectation once I have reached college.

The thing that was once felt like a burden has eventually become something that I will always be proud of. I literally wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the perseverance of the person whom I am proud to call my mom.

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Life isn’t always as sweet as it seems on photos and on sns. I’m not the one to paint a perfect family because I tell you, there’s no such thing as perfect. Behind these fun photos are the ups and downs in life that has been shaped by fights (mainly because of my character, I know I know haha) that turned into proper conversations; and struggles in life that we must overcome. But hey, there are a lot of sunny days as well I cannot even count it; it is something that I will forever be grateful for. The mundane days spent with you were the things I would love to cherish the most.

I am thankful that I am at the point of life that I am privileged enough to spend more time with my family. There would still be days of thunder and lightning but one thing that always reminds me that my parents are human too is that “they too, are living this life for the first time,” and that we all are navigating in this life.

I know that you’ve always tried your best to be the best mother you can be and that you too are living this life for the first time. There might be times that I might forget that, but I too, am trying my best in being a good daughter.

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Dedicating more than half of your life to a family you built is something that I still have yet to imagine for myself. It takes unconditional love and unwavering passion to have something as beautiful and enduring as that, and if the time that same kind of love comes for me, I hope that I may remember everything you have imparted me.

You deserve all the best things that you are receiving right now in your life, and I am glad to be your daughter. I am my mom’s kid after all, and a huge part of my upbringing will always be a testament of her love and strength.

My wish for you is that you do not overwork yourself anymore and that can only happen once I’m done with the uni (I am trying to finish na!)

Thank you so much for everything ‘mmy, and for dedicating almost half of your life for us <3

It would be a blessing to age gracefully as you are.

Happiest birthday to you, mommy. I might not be able to write you handwritten letters and cards the same way I used to when I was a kid but I hope this letter reaches your heart :*