01/08/2025
They say teaching is a calling, but being a mom is my heart.
Today, I realized a very important lesson. I realized that every day I spend countless hours with other people’s children, guiding them, teaching them, shaping them. I see their tantrums, their growth, their laughter… and then I go home with barely enough energy left for the little girl who calls me 'Mommy.' I still have a child of my own who needs me, who misses me, who deserves me.
This afternoon, for her 30th month, I tried to make it up to her. We went to the store, bought her favorite snacks, went on a short walk, sakay ug tricycle kay muingon ra syag 'Mommy? no car.' Ate dinner, danced, played, laughed. I gave her my all, even when I had nothing left. And when I lay down, completely exhausted… she still wanted me. With her tiny lollipop in hand and tired eyes, she snuggled in, waiting for stories that didn’t come because I had already fallen asleep.
I woke up and saw her sleeping peacefully, clutching her lollipop… hugging me tighter as if to say, 'It’s okay, Mommy.' I transferred her to her pillow and gave her milk. And I broke. Nakahilak ko namalandong nga sa akong kakapoy natulugan nako akong anak nga naghulat na makauli ko. I cried because she deserves more time. More energy. More of me 😭
To the parents and community who say teachers don’t do enough: please be kind.
You don’t see the after-hours.
You don’t hear the silent cries.
You don’t feel the guilt we carry for giving so much to our profession that our own children sometimes get what’s left of us.
We are not just teachers. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, daughters. We are humans.
And we love your children deeply, but please don’t forget… we have children too.
To all the teacher-moms, I see you. I feel you. And I know you love hard, even when you're running on empty.
CTTO
❤️
