SURGERY TO MAGNA CUM LAUDE: A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF HEALING, HOPE AND HONOR

I would like to start this blog article with a full disclosure. This article is very PERSONAL. My eldest wanted a "letter" as a graduation gift. I am giving this heartfelt blog article instead. So here it goes....   

Today, I embark on an extraordinary quest to chronicle the life of my beloved daughter, a journey that is both deeply personal and universally profound.   From the moment she first opened her eyes to the world, my daughter's presence has been a source of immeasurable joy and wonder. Every step she has taken, every obstacle she has overcome, and every triumph she has celebrated have woven together the threads of an awe-inspiring narrative—a story of growth, resilience, and unwavering love.

Soleil in 2000

In elementary, she was diagnosed with dyslexia. But this did not hinder her growth. She blossomed as a student in her non-traditional school. She balanced her academics with her love for soccer. She would commute from our home to the south, just to attend soccer practices and games. When she sets her heart on a specific goal, no negativities will make her surrender. 

As a mom, I would admit that I often worry where will her decision take her. Especially when she decided to take Environmental Planning in college. It is not a popular course, I am not even sure if there are plenty of career opportunities for her after graduation. But yes, I wear my mask of fortitude, as I tried to navigate the challenges of motherhood with a brave face.  And beneath the façade of strength, lies a mom who grapples with own vulnerabilities fears and doubts.   

The four years in college passed by rapidly. Slowly, I have grown to give her the adult freedom that she deserves. Gradually, I learned to manage my worries, and with prayers, gave her my utmost trust that she can take care of herself.  

Then the pandemic happened. She shifted to online learning. For my daughter it took away a crucial chapter of her life – the cherished college years she had dreamt of and the experiences she had hoped to embrace. The thrill of independence gave way to confinement within four walls, and the camaraderie of college life was reduced to fleeting virtual encounters.  

And as if the pandemic is not enough as a challenge, our family faced a medical emergency in 2022.  My daughter was diagnosed with a major herniated slipped disc that only a discectomy can resolve. She had to undergo a spinal operation, in the midst of a pandemic.  It was physically and mentally draining – having to do decide the most capable doctor to perform the surgery, the right time to do it, and even the financial expenses. My daughter has one very important request – the surgery MUST not disrupt her classes. We had to schedule it on her 10 day-semestral break, with the hope (and prayer) that she recovers fast enough for her to get back to her classes. At this point, I am still wearing my “I am strong and brave” mom mask – but beneath, I was breaking into pieces. 

If I can absorb all the pain you felt this time,
I would gladly do so

walking on her own after 4 days in the hospital

During this medical upheaval, I witnessed how strong my daughter was. 2 days after the surgery she pushed herself to walk. We went home after 4 days, and she walked from the car to her room on the second floor. In one week, she was mobile all by herself. Her recovery was astounding. And yes, she did not miss a single class.  

This made me realize how strong she was, physically and mentally. She totally “unmasked” me in a way I did not expect. Her strength and resilience, taught me that Its ok to take off my “mask of bravery” because we can be brave TOGETHER. That she is brave and strong herself and I need not worry anymore. The tables have turned. As I now become the student and she, my teacher – my hero. In her presence, I find myself learning as much as I teach—a beautiful dynamic that deepens our bond and shapes me into a better person.  

July 29, 2023 – this lesson on resilience was once again reiterated. As I proudly watch her march up on stage to get her college degree. And the fruit of her hard work – the MAGNA CUM LAUDE award. Despite the medical emergency, she did not lose track of her goal and brought home the bacon! 

As a proud mom, I am sharing with you her own thoughts on her personal journey as a young adult. Also a proud momma because I think she inherited my flair for writing!

my MAGNA CUM LAUDE!  so proud of you!

Finally…. I have UNMASKED my dear Soleil. The mask of a child highly dependent on me.  From an innocent, wide-eyed girl to confident, independent young lady.  For all the parents out there... Laban lang! (fight!) 

Despite all the challenges... just have faith in God that everything will unfold positively as you plan it to be! 

This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo's "UNMASKED: The Comco Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3". The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. "UNMASKED" aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The "Write to Ignite" Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises with Airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Remy Martin and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.