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SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor
ce Nathaniel ne with son Prin Mommy Lady An
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Young Life
Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph
Mommy Edchar with son Steven John
Mommy Maria Grace with daug hter Gail Anne
THE LIFE OF YOUNG MOMS By Bernadette Lunas
B
EING a mother is not easy. Being a mother at a young age is challenging.
There is no book or class available to prepare a woman for the pain and pleasure she has to endure as a parent. But women are one tough creature, and motherhood brings out the best in them, regardless of age and life experience. Manila Standard Young Life had the privilege to talk to and share the stories of these young women who balance motherhood/career/relationships/adulthood even before they turn 30.
Maria Grace Miraflores, 26, Accounting Associate Daughter: Gail Anne, 8
“I am the mother/best friend—my daughter can say to me anything.” The first thing that came to my mind when I saw my child for the first time: I was looking for a distinguishing mark on her because at that time people usually talk about ‘baby switching,’ then I saw a birthmark on her leg. After a few seconds, I realized she looks exactly like her father! The best part of being a mother: First is seeing your child for the first time—it’s like in the movies wherein a background music plays as they give you your baby. Next is seeing your child grow and learn all the things in life—she may succeed and fail but the best part is I am with her during those moments. The most challenging part of being a mother: Being a single mother, I have to be a father and a mother at the same time. I cannot be too gentle otherwise she will not know that she did something wrong; I cannot be too strict or else she will not express her emotions. Our bonding time: Every moment is a bonding moment for us. We eat breakfast together and watch cartoons until I go to work. At night we play with her stuffed toys. On weekends we go to the mall after attending a Sunday mass. Dear Gail Anne, Take it slow. Don’t rush things and always think about your actions many times before doing them. Don’t forget to pray and don’t forget that whatever happens, I will always be here for you no matter what.
Edchar Villar, 25, BPO Trainer Son: Steven John, 7
“I’m the do-what-you-want-but-never-forget-I’mstill-your-mama kind of mother. You can call me the cool/chill mom.” The first thing that came to my mind when I saw my child for the first time: It was my eureka kind of moment. Better than finding true love; [a kind of] happiness I’ve never felt before. And for the first time, I knew what I wanted in life and that I now have a direction to take. The best part of being a mother: I have someone who calls me pretty even if I have bad hair day, someone who says the food I cook is delicious even if it’s just something fried. And the best of all, I know I’ll never be alone.
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The most challenging part of being mother: Managing my time between work and Steven. I am a solo parent and a mom at the age of 19, so I had to endure a lot on my own. Turn to E2