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I am because of her
By Jomar B. dela Cruz
On 6 June 1987, at around one o’clock in the morning, my tender-hearted mother gave birth to a very healthy little boy. I had an angelic, candid face and a lovely, soft voice. My parents truly believed that my birth was a wonderful blessing for them. With their names they named me, Jomar. They made me the heir of both their beautiful names, ‘Jo’ from my mother’s name, Jocelyn, and ‘Mar’ from my father’s name, Mario.
I grew up in an atmosphere of love. My parents unhesitatingly gave me everything I wanted. When I cried, they would panic! They loved me very much! Perhaps, I experienced the greatest love of all.
However, seven years after my birth, misfortune came. My father suddenly died of a heart attack. My compassionate mother was left to love and care for me. My mother was everything to me. She taught me everything that could make me a good boy and could lead me to become a better one in the future. Above all, she taught me how to love, respect and fear God.
The years passed and I reached adolescence. I noticed so many things changing in my body. My mind grew mature, my voice became strong. I fell in love. I experienced the happiest stage of my life as a teenager. Sad to say, it was also the worst time in my life. I began to disobey and rebuke my mother and disregard all the teachings, discipline and good values that she had imparted to me. Despite my wickedness, she still continued hoping and dreaming that someday, through her unceasing prayers, her child would be enlightened.
Fortunately, the dreams and prayers of my mother were heard by God. I realized the bad things I did and did penance for them. I returned and lived again in the happy comfort and confidence of my mother. This change began when I first saw a humble old man in his seventies, wearing a simple white garb, walking with dignity in the midst of a throng. This elderly man eloquently spoke to the crowd and everybody carefully and respectfully listened to him. I wanted to be like him. This man was the late Pope John Paul II.
After I graduated from high school, with the inspiration and encouragement of my mother, I decided to enter the seminary, to be a priest. Now, I am facing my fourth year of formation here in St Vincent de Paul College Seminary, walking in this perilous and mysterious journey to priesthood. I am beginning to realize the real love of the One who really loves me. I learned to pray, to trust in God, to love and to serve Him as I continue answering His call. I give thanks to God for giving me my mother as His instrument in showing me how to enjoy the gift of life. My mother is my inspiration as I continue to answer my vocation.
You may write the author at: St Vincent de Paul College Seminary,
Dagum Hills, CALBAYOG CITY, 6710 Western Samar