26/10/2025
*What I Realize in the Death of Emman Atienza*
I realized something deeply important — our kids will not stay young forever. One day, they will grow up, and they will remember everything we did for them — the small things and the big things. Every word, every gesture, every moment of love or neglect becomes part of who they are.
You don’t really need many friends; your children are the best friends you could ever have. They are the ones who will stand by you when everyone else is gone.
Being a full-time mom didn’t ruin my career — it built my child’s future and character. I used to think I was giving up something, but now I see that I was investing in something far greater — the kind of person my child will become.
It’s okay to be overprotective, to worry, to love too much. That’s what mothers do. Our hearts walk outside our bodies in the form of our children.
We’re often so focused on giving them a brighter future — working hard, chasing stability, building dreams for them — and I completely understand that, because I was there too. But I’ve learned that giving them even 30 minutes of your time to play, to listen, to just be with them, makes all the difference.
Now that I’m working, I make sure to spend time with Catalina whenever I can. And I’m so thankful that when I can’t be there, my husband always steps in — always present, always showing up for her. Because one parent’s presence can mean the world to a child.
Being present doesn’t always mean doing grand things. Even the simplest moments — giving them a bath, preparing them for school, eating together — are powerful ways to bond. Those small, everyday acts of love are the ones they will always remember.
Most of all, teach them to pray and trust God in everything. I always tell Catalina to pray — when she’s sad, angry, happy, or scared. Prayer will be her anchor when the world feels heavy.
So to every parent, cherish every moment. Be present. Love loudly. Guide gently. One day, they’ll thank you not just for what you gave them, but for how you made them feel — safe, loved, and seen.
