Ren’s emotional Graduation day!

Yesterday was a fine day; it was sunny and hot at noon but became cloudy and windy in the afternoon.  It was a perfect day for a moving up day celebration.

The kids have practiced their graduation day for 2 weeks, and I was with them every single day.  I saw everything (well, almost everything, because the giving of awards were not included in the practice). I never expected myself to shed some tears during the actual program.

My first tears came out when Ren was walking to the stage to say what he wanted to do in the future.  I thought that he will sing on the mic just like what he always does on their practice, but I am glad that he did not do it yesterday.  He just said “I will build houses, hotels, hospitals and building (someday)”.  I am so proud!

The next one is when I delivered my speech for my co-parents.  I have finished writing my speech a week before the graduation day, and every day I practiced in saying it at the house.  My husband helped me with my diction because I usually eat my words, he told me to speak slowly so that people can understand me (this also happens when I am speaking Tagalog words not only English).

Here was the part of my speech where I didn’t expect to breakdown:

“ If parenting is hard for me, I know it is harder for single parent or parents with multiple kids or those who are working and is not always with their kids.

Here is a good story that I would like to share with you.

There was once a woman with 3 young kids (ages 9, 5 and 3 years old).  She lost her husband because he was killed.  After that, she was depressed, devastated and even wanted to end her life because she doesn’t have anyone to help her to raise her kids anymore.  Take note isa lang po syang mananahi with a minimum income.  But, she decided to stand up, move on and move forward for her kids.  She did everything she can to provide for the kids’ educations and needs.  She taught the kids how to be tough, how to deal with other people and she prepared them in the real world (on how she was able to accomplish that……. I don’t know).  She successfully did her responsibilities with her kids, they all graduated from College and the eldest is now here standing in front of you all.  The woman in the story is just there sitting with all of you.  Thank You Nanay!

Kung sya po na maagang nabyuda na may maliliit pang mga anak at isang mananahi ay kinayang tumayo at pangatawanan ang pagiging mabuting magulang, alam ko na kaya nating lahat ‘to. “

My mom who I tagged along yesterday, did not expect that I will talk about her.  While I am delivering the 1^st sentence, I took a glimpse on her chair and I saw her wiping her tears and that is when I started to cry too (yes on the stage)…. My husband who was sitting beside my mom brought me a handkerchief.

I almost can’t talk and finish my speech, at mas lalo na akong nabulol.

After that, some parents went to me to comfort me and say that it was a great speech; some said I made them cry too and another even said that she felt that my speech is bitin.

In the end, I am glad that the school gave me the opportunity to face my weakness and speak in front of the public and because of that, I was able to give honor to my mom.

I also cried when the school showed a short film where we saw how the school started and some of the school activities that the kids did during their stay at the school.  I cried because 2 of Ren’s classmates did not finish the school year. It hurt me when I saw their picture on the VTR because I remembered how these 2 became close to me. I stayed at the school every school day to wait for Ren, and these 2 kids always greet, hug and make me smile.  I love these kids and it saddens me to not be able to see them on the stage with the rest of their classmates.

By the way, Ren took home 2 awards:

Foodie of the year – For always finishing his baon, and for constantly appreciating the value of God’s blessings of food, nutrition and good health.

Reading Milestone Award – for his significant development in reading skills application and reading appreciation.

The Foodie of the year makes us laugh, since it was my first time to hear such award.  If you are asking me if Ren has a honor, the school doesn’t have a honor roll (I don’t know if other progressive schools are the same).

Thank you Lord I have an elementary kid this coming school year.  I know the lessons will be harder at kinakabahan na ako ngayon pa lang, but I believe that #RenCAN overcome it.

Cheers to all the graduates this year. Never give up on your dreams. Sometimes it takes a long while to make it happen, but in God’s time your dreams will come true. Congratulations to all the parents!!!!