Meet my three wonderful kids - Michelle, Ceci & PJ. They are my inspiration and the apple of my eyes. Michelle is 15 years old as of this writing, Ceci is 9 and PJ is 7. My eldest daughter is now a teenager and will start senior year in two months. Ceci will be in 4th Grade and PJ will be in 2nd Grade by June also. Each have their own characteristics that endears them to me. I love them so much but since separating from my husband entailed a great sacrifice for me. Ceci and PJ were left with their father and of course, Michelle will be wherever I am. On weekends, Ceci or PJ is with us, so I get to have one of them 2-3 nights a week. Not much, but I'm okay for now. I can't have them yet but I am praying that soon they will be with us for good.
My first daughter was born into this world when I was 24 years old. Having her taught me strength and determination. Raising her up on my own did not scare me because I realize that even blind beggars on the streets can afford to raise a family by just begging. When I, I have a college diploma (thanks to my mom)and physically fit to find work. Do you know how much I spent when I delivered Michelle? A measly sum of P800! A midwife or "komadrona" assist me in giving birth and her fee was only P500, and I asked her to help me for the first week and she only ask for an additional P300. You see, I gave birth to my first daughter at my parents house only. I was confident that I will and can have a normal delivery and I only got a few thousand pesos saved although Michelle's father sent some for my delivery. But I have to think forward - milk, diaper, food and so on...so I can't afford to splurge on my delivery expenses. Thank God for midwives and the local health center. Michelle's vaccinations were free plus my consultation during the course of my pregnancy was free too. I have to give credit to our government for providing health centers to barrios and barangays. Health Centers are really a great help to those who can't afford to pay professional doctors, for solo parents like me and countless unwed mothers out there. Five months after I gave birth to Michelle, I am working again. I can't thank the Lord enough.
Yes, I was an unwed mother and it did not hinder me from raising Michelle up to be what she is right now. An independent and dependable person that she is. A lot like me though....hehe but I am raising her up minus the negativity I got from others...who can't, will not and always fails to understand that I am also struggling and need encouragement too. Ha! But I have friends and family members who never fails to lift me up. Till the next part ^^ Ciao!
