A Mom’s Priorities

My kids have always been my priorities over my work. Whenever there’s a conflict in schedules between work and my family, like when I need to attend a school activity, there’s always no doubt in my mind that I will attend it, no matter what happens. My belief is that they’re only young once, so, I should make the most out of it. So, when my son told me that parents were welcome to watch the culmination of their Filipino Week celebration, I grabbed the chance and took my leave from the office since it’s now rare that he invites us to his school activities, I guess because he thinks he’s grown up already? But in this activity, I think he was excited because he was part of the fashion show and the dance.

My commitment was again tested when Faye was included in the Battle of the Brains – Spelling Category in her school. The schedule was wrong timing in my office because of heavy deadlines, but, I had never missed any of her competitions in the past, ever since she was in Preparatory, so, I’m not about to miss it now. I have always told myself that the negative reaction from my bosses is nothing compared to the pain that my daughter will feel just in case I won’t be able to attend her competition.

Two days prior to the scheduled competition, her dad has already told her that Mommy might not be able to attend because of conflict in schedule, and that Nanay (her grandma) might be the one to go to school to support her. She cried and my heart was torn, I really couldn’t bear it. I told her Dad that I really know my priorities — that is, of course, my kids — and that I have already decided that I will attend her competition. So, when I went to school, Faye was really surprised when she saw me because I didn’t tell her that I’ll be able to make it.

She did good in the competition and although she didn’t win, I know that she was very happy that I came to support her. And that’s what’s important more than anything else, right?