A Parent's Payback

There is no reward more fulfilling to a parent than to see their children finish school. It is the ultimate dividend for the countless overtimes, the grumbling stomach (sa sobrang pagtitipid di na kumakain), and the periodic debt that comes with the territory. It is the ultimate happiness and then some.

Our children may not be the consistent honor student but I I'll settle for the chance to just see them walking that stage and getting that precious piece of paper. That would make all the sacrifices worth the taking and the investment worth the risk.

Praying that my children will reward me that much.

Return of Investment

I attended my daughter Chesca's baccalaureate mass this morning and the presiding priest spoke about the hope each parent has of a bright future for their children. A step towards realizing this goal is to send their child to school. Now, this is a burden that all parents are willing to take. As I have told---and keep on telling---my children, "igagapang ko kayo na makapagtapos basta ayusin nyo lang ang pagaaral nyo!"

Whether we put our children to a private or public school, as parents, we have our own individual burden to take on to ensure that we are able to financially sustain our children's education. This is our investment and the return of which is to see our sons and daughters get a degree and make something out of their lives! However, we do not have a hold of life's circumstances. Our children need to see the value of this investment---this whole fuss about graduating from college and become successful professionals! They need to go beyond the "what my parents want" state of mind and think of education as an opportunity to grow wings and sore beyond the horizon! They need to see themselves beyond today and the vision should be a sunny day portrait!

I pray in behalf of all the parents whose sons and daughters are graduating (or have graduated) that God be always with them in their journey and that they be blessed with wisdom to make the right decision in all the crossroads they have to take.