Skip to main content

Courageous Heart

Dinner time, my youngest child (8yo) broke down in tears when he found out that his older brother might be going away to college in San Diego, California. He couldn’t understand why his brother can’t just go to college locally.

The thought of having his families being separated was just unbearable. Two years ago, when my daughter went to college in University of South Carolina, he also had a very tough time adjusting not seeing her every day. (She’s now transferred to Rutgers University here in NJ).

We’ve had families members who had been taken away from us that separation like these are just too much for any of us, most especially for a little child whose day to day revolves saying “hellos”and “good-nights” to his parents, sister and 2 brothers.

Sometimes as a mother, you have to make tough decisions and sacrifices so that your children can live their dreams, and in other cases, to survive and live better lives. My mother for one has made plenty of sacrifices in her life so that my 5 brothers and I can follow our dreams.

As my husband and I watched the inspiring true story of Irena Sendler in CBS Hallmark Hall of Fame, Courageous Heart, my heart ached for the mothers and the fathers who had to let go of their children. I can’t even imagine having to say good-bye not knowing if I’ll ever see my child again. Such experience is just too devastating to bear. But these mothers had the courage to be strong for their children.

As we approach Mother’s Day, we have to remember the sacrifices of the mothers who had the courage to part ways with their children and to the mothers who took them in even though their lives could have been in danger.

We have to be inspired by the initiative and dedication of Irena Sendler, an extra ordinary woman who risked her life to make a difference in people’s lives.

Having watched this inspiring true story, we have to be thankful that we are lucky enough to have the gift of being in this country where we have the freedom and rights – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let's not take that gift for granted.

And lastly, a big high-five to Hallmark and the four high school students who made this story of a courageous heart possible.

Comments

  1. Oh that is hard. I think I'll need to go on some meds when my girls leave the nest! I'm visiting from the Shabby Chicks blog. She tagged me from you. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's tough!! It is hard for an 8 year old to understand why their older sibling must leave.

    Following you from the mbc. I look forward to reading more from you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Farmgirl and Onna, thanks for the visit.

    It is super tough when the little ones see the older siblings go away...(We'll both cry when they finally move out on their own....)

    ReplyDelete
  4. hi jen,
    thanks for the comment! must be the day to write about "leaving"... must be this rainy weather! loved your post and hats off to you for all you do for your family! <3
    hugs,
    shelley

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Completed my first 16 Week IsaBody Challenge: Believe You Have A Purpose

My family is what matters most to me.  I’m 51 and a mother of 4 (ages 14 – 26). I wanted to be healthier, more active and stronger not just for me, but for the people I love.  I wanted to set an example for my family that we each possess the tools to master our wellness and vitality. I've always been petite except when I was pregnant ( when I gained an average of 50 pounds per pregnancy - 4 times!) Over the years I had tried various diet and exercise regimens, and I did enjoy a degree of success, but the results were not to the level I hoped for, and they were somewhat short lived.   Achieving stable, long-lasting results proved stubbornly elusive.    Then when I hit menopause everything became more difficult.    My body stopped cooperating altogether, and I was constantly grumpy. My waist and hips expanded and I found myself napping in the afternoons.    I started to accept the idea that there would be this new, less vibrant version of me. I just completed my P

Immigration and Family: Will my mom ever get to see my daughter walk down the aisle

Last year when my father passed away in the Philippines, I went home and took some time to visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila to ask what the options are for my mother to return to the U.S. The consul reminded me of the 10-year travel ban. That on or after November 8, 2015 — not earlier – or 10 years after my mom, was deported in 2005 for overstaying her visa, I can email the U.S. Embassy and inquire about my mother’s approved petition. I asked if I need to file another petition, and she informed me I didn’t have to. I asked if I could… and she stopped me and said to ask everything on or after November 8, 2015. This is where I am, and where my thoughts are drifting as I celebrate this month my 16th American birthday. I am counting the months, the weeks and the days. My daughter is getting married in January 2016 and I would love to have my entire family, especially my mother, to be here when that momentous occasion happens.

SPICE-up a young child's development: social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional

Children are the precious gems of a family. When they’re young and innocent, they are like sponges that willingly and quickly absorb any knowledge and emotion. That’s why at an early age, we encourage our children to read, be creative, be happy and feed their curiosity. With all the technology and instant gratification that children get from playing video or computer games, asking a child to read a good book has been a challenge for some parents .     “Your children are not your children.       They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.       They come through you but not from you,       And though they are with you, and yet they belong not to you.       You may give them your love but not your thoughts,        For they have their own thoughts.        You may house their bodies but not their souls,        For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,        which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” -                     Kahlil Gibr

Helping others surpass their goals and expectations

"It's not about the end goal. It's who you become by consistently pushing to the edge of your limits." - Robin Sharma Do you ever wonder why you stumble on new things?  Do you ever wonder why unsuspecting strangers cross your path? Do you ever wonder why your mind takes you to a direction you didn't think exist? I was walking to StarBucks to meet my husband when I noticed a sign...

Still shaky, skidded in snow, but so blessed my guardian angels are looking after me!

"Never again wonder, what to be thankful for..."   - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life It’s yet another snowy day in New Jersey. Beautiful, yes but dangerous! In line with my goal for this month is to get back on schedule. I got up around 4am to get my 15yo ready for his Model United Nations conference. (Thankful that our neighbor offered to drive him to school by 5:30am ) I got my 9yo ready for school and I'm thankful that my other neighbor offered to drive him to school. I then drove my husband to the train station to Manhattan. I decided to stop by the Community Center and decided to run a fast 5K on the treadmill. I was 1 mile short because I was so sweaty and hot. (Note to self: dress lightly next time) While cooling down inside the car, I read Day 14’s chapter of Rick Warren's the “Purpose Driven Life” book. I felt really good because it just reminded me that there is always something to be thankful for no matter how awful yo