19/05/2025
I came across the viral “Jollibee Paper Bag Story”, and it brought me to tears. It’s not just about childbirth, it’s about the pain of being unseen, unheard, and unsupported during one of life’s most difficult and sacred moments. That moment when her husband brought food only for himself, while she sat there recovering with nothing , It wasn’t about Jollibee. It was about empathy, or the heartbreaking lack of it.
It made me pause and reflect on my own experience and honestly, I am deeply grateful.
I gave birth twice in a public hospital. Of course, it wasn’t a five-star experience , there were discomforts here and there but as far as I can remember, I was treated okay. If there were moments of difficulty, I didn’t dwell on them. Because at the end of the day, I was safe, and my baby was safe and for me, that was what truly mattered.
But what I will never forget what truly carried me was the love and support from my family.
When the OR doors opened, my husband was the first to greet me. He touched my hair gently and kissed my forehead. That small gesture said everything: "I'm here. I’m proud of you. I love you." It gave me strength.
My Mama , she made sure I was fed, reminded me to eat, to bathe, and even took care of my newborn during those exhausting wee hours of the night just so I could get some sleep. Her presence was pure comfort — steady, strong, and full of love.
My siblings , they were with me 24/7 in the hospital. They stayed to make sure their Ate could rest, to make me laugh, to keep me company so I wouldn’t feel bored or alone. They were my team, my joy, and my lifeline.
Even my Papa, who’s afraid of hospitals, stayed beside me on the hospital bed while everyone else was with the baby. He didn’t have to say anything his presence was enough. He was there, proud and worried, quietly watching over me.
So while that viral story was heavy and heartbreaking, it reminded me how blessed I’ve been. Not all mothers receive the love and support they deserve during and after childbirth and that’s something we should never take for granted.
To anyone reading this: if someone you love just gave birth, be there. Not just physically, be emotionally present. Offer your time, your help, your love. Even a simple gesture can mean everything.
To all mothers: your strength is unmatched. And to those who support us — thank you for turning our hardest days into bearable, even beautiful ones.