My mother passed away many years ago, but the memories I have of her remain close to my heart. I still treasure her photographs, as well as pictures of the plants she lovingly cared for in her garden.
She loved flowers and tropical plants. Her favorite was the Yellow Bells, but she also grew striped amaryllis, canna lilies, chichirika, snake plants, and corn plants. When she was younger, she had a wonderful collection of orchids at home. She grew them using coconut husks, hanging them all around our garden. There were so many different kinds, and the garden was filled with their beauty.
As she grew older, it became difficult for her to look after all her plants, and eventually, the orchids were gone. The plants that remained were the ones that were easier to maintain. She asked our household helper to take care of them every day, although she would sometimes water them herself. Even though she was already in a wheelchair, her love for gardening never faded.
My mother loved plants, nature, and animals, just like I do. I believe I inherited that love from her.
She also loved music and could play the guitar, ukulele, and harmonica. I remember watching her play these instruments when I was younger. Seeing her enjoy music inspired my own interest in it, and I believe that is where my love for music began.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics at Philippine Women’s University and worked in the Catering Department of Philippine Airlines. She was an intelligent and capable woman, very particular about cleanliness and keeping everything around her neat and tidy.
She could be strict, especially when it came to cleanliness and discipline, but deep down, she was also a very kind and lovely person.
Looking back, I realize that many of the things I love today may have started with her — my love for plants, nature, animals, and music.
Although she is no longer here, the memories she left behind continue to live in my heart. Through the photographs, the plants she once cared for, and the things she taught me without even realizing it, a little part of her will always be with me.
I may have inherited many things from my mother, but I think the greatest gift she gave me was the love for the simple and beautiful things in life.
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