Today, on May 11, I celebrate another year of life, feeling both older and wiser with each passing chapter. Since my marriage, my birthday has never passed without celebration; it's a true blessing.
Becoming a mother myself has given me a new perspective on birthdays. I remind myself to see this day as a celebration of my mother's strength and love as well. On this day it is, years ago, she endured 14 hours of labor to bring me into this world. I used to be amazed that she remembered details like how I looked and what I was wearing. But now, as a mother, I understand that you never forget the day your child is born.
From that moment, my mother dedicated herself to me, even when life's circumstances forced my parents to leave me in the care of my grandparents for a few years. Despite the challenges they faced, they worked tirelessly to build a stable life and bring me back into their arms. After six years, I asked for a sibling, and my parents blessed me with one. However, life's challenges once again separated us, this time for three years. Through these experiences, I learned independence and resilience. But while I was building my own story, there was another side to the narrative—my mother, whose heart was tearing apart as each day passed without her child by her side.
Throughout my life, my mother has always prioritized her children over herself. While I may not share the same level of selflessness, I deeply respect and honor her for the person she is. Through my writing, I want to say to the world that I was born to wonderful parents and as a family, we have lived our life together to the fullest, experiencing our share of laughter and tears, and moving forward by God's grace.
As I celebrate another year of life, I urge you all to not only celebrate your own existence but also to remember the person who brought you into this world.
Never forget to make that call to your mother first, so she could wish you "Happy Birthday"—remind yourself she's the reason you're here.
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