Today, I turned a year older, hopefully a year wiser too! As I look forward to another exciting year, I thought I should write about my golden year’s cherished moments …

My son is 21!

Lorenz turned 21 on the 10th of July 2011. Regine, the ever-loving ‘Ate’ that she is, gave him a surprise party at the eve of his birthday at Tangerine Cafe in Cuba Street, right at the heart of Wellington CBD. Regine deserved the credit for a well organized event where most of Lorenz’ friends were present. I’d never been to a wacky party for ages but I quite enjoyed the upbeat music and carefree dancing on a not-so-big-stage where hearing someone talking can be a real challenge! It could have been perfect if Lorenz’ special someone wasn’t out of the country to share this special day, but it was a success after all.

Yes, he got surprised!

I was so excited when Regine called me at ‘centerstage’ to have my own moment and thank their friends who took time out to make the party a simple yet memorable one. I had so much thoughts lingering in my mind as I approached the stage but a message straight from my heart really stood out that I wanted to share with his friends. I can vividly recall that feeling as I said these words … “I have something really interesting to say about my son, Lorenz or Rey as you fondly call him.  I named Lorenz after St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first and only Filipino saint ever ordained. Well, it will take me all night to justify this decision, but hey, everyone knows that my son is no saint … but you know what? I will never trade Lorenz for any other saintly son in the whole wide world!”  Then I came to him and gave him a big hug … a truly amazing feeling I will never forget.

She’s leaving home …

A few day before Christmas 2011, Regine got her acceptance letter from the University of Auckland where she wanted to continue her Fine Arts course for three more years. I’ve always believed in Regine’s skills and natural flair and I knew that she’ll make it, and one day live her dreams. She prayed for it so bad, that I can only give her my full support and be happy for one big step she has achieved – though there’s a part of me that’s hurting ‘coz I knew that she was leaving home soon.

Is that your best smile, mom?

In February 2012, we drove up eight hours north of Wellington to Auckland with a van-full of Regine’s books, beddings, kitchen and bathroom stuff and a few of her choice ‘penguins’. We arrived Auckland late in the afternoon and we needed to set up her flat that night as we had to go back to Wellington the next morning. I’ve always loved shopping, but not when it’s closing time – picking a new bed and desk to match the character of her flat in merely five minutes was just crazy! The next morning was the moment of truth … it was my first experience to send off a child to live independently and the feeling of letting go was beyond description. As we were leaving her new flat, I watched her from the rear window of our car until I can’t see her anymore. Then like a child, cried my heart out – really loud! It took me some days to recover and have the guts to clean up her room – but then I have to embrace this episode of my life as yet another one of motherhood’s joys, pains and every sensitivity in-between. That day, I called my mom to let her know how I appreciate the ordeal she must have gone through when three of her children and their families left the Philippines to live overseas, including us. And as they say – a mother will always be a mother, no matter what, no matter where!

 A pleasing surprise!

It was the 13th of May 2012, Mother’s Day. Regine came home from Auckland to give me the surprise of my life that really made my day! She said my face was indescribable when I opened the door for her – and to top up the surprise visit, she gave me a lovely autumn jacket with animal print lining … really love it! If there’s something we’ve always agreed on, that must be about fashion and style! We had a full day catching up on stories and had a real good lunch at my favourite cafe. Someone told me that I must have done something right to be able to raise up a loving daughter and a best friend like her.

Best friends forever!

Of course, Lorenz remembered too … he texted me “Happy Mother’s Day” …  and a smiley!  That was enough to make me twice as happy!