If there’s one person who truly deserves the spotlight in this post, it must be someone very close to our hearts – my mother, Lorna J. Jaramillo.
She helped her mother in caring for her four siblings as the eldest daughter of a single mother. She had told me stories about them having to stay in various relative houses in order to live. She was not able to pursue college and had to start working as a cook right after high school to help support her family. She married young…fate must have other plans for her.
She’s a dedicated mom to six children and made the tough decision to leave her career as a cook in a hotel to focus on taking care of her family. Her multitasking skills are extraordinary, from hand-washing laundry while soothing my baby brother to cooking meals and still staying updated with radio dramas. Parenthood is challenging, but she managed it with love and determination, even when our income was tight.
As a family, we faced financial difficulties, and my mother was no stranger to the principal’s office when it came to school fees. However, her will to prioritize education for her children prevailed. Inspired from her experiences, she vowed to let her children finish studies if permits.
She has always been a supportive partner to my father, whether it’s moving to the city, exploring farming, or supporting his role as a municipality vice mayor.
Even after we finished our studies, she didn’t take a break. Instead, she pursued her dream of being in the medical field by volunteering as a Barangay Health Worker. Despite our initial concerns about her age and the demanding work, her passion and happiness convinced us to support her decision. She is not only a mother to us but a reliable helper to everyone in need at the barangay clinic.
During the pandemic, her dedication was even more critical. Despite being a senior citizen, she continued to serve as a BHW, volunteering at the vaccination site despite the potential risks. Her selflessness and belief in the importance of her service during these times are truly inspiring.
Unfortunately, the compensation she receives for her pandemic service is minimal, even expressed disappointment in the distribution. Despite this, she persists in volunteering in our barangay for her fulfillment comes from the gratitude of the people she serves.
My mother is not just a wife and mother; she is a selfless public servant who exemplifies compassion and dedication.
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This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo’s “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3”. The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. “UNMASKED” aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The “Write to Ignite” Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.