ODE TO MOM
ROSARIO LONTOC DIVINO, vice mayor for 12 years in Pola, Oriental Mindoro from 1965-1972. Rosario passes away on October 2, 2021. She is forever loved and missed by ALITA and her sister, AMOR DIVINO BALDOS (HS 65 | College 69).
My mother lived a long and happy life, a fulfilled One Hundred Five Years.
Her prime years were all spent building her career as a businesswoman and a politician. She was always busy but somehow I have childhood memories of her attending to each one of us four siblings. She had her disciplining style which we never understood but reflecting on them now showed wisdom in each.
It is easy to feel a mother’s love when she is strong and still in control. But how do you measure a mother’s love in her twilight or dementia years?
A smile after a sponge bath.
A holding of your arm to her cheek for an extended time when she feels refreshed and smelling nice after cologne and lotion treatment.
A slight pat on your sides when you know she was never demonstrative.
An order for you to eat when she thinks you are a household help.
A kiss when you put her on her bed.
A surprised look when you say your name upon her asking and saying “Ah that is my daughter’s name. You have the same name.”
An attempt to hold back biting (no dentures) you during her violent attacks.
An immediate response of I love you too when greeted with “I love you Mama” instead of “Good morning”.
A never ending experience of getting to know her through reminiscing of her past.
Or a sense of peace recognizing your voice and knowing you are by her side.
A mother’s love is never seen but always felt. You feel it by how she treats you as her mother, sister, cousin, caregiver or a help. It is time spent together be it in silence or in a mixed up scenario. It rises above dementia.
She may not remember who you are but her emotions do.
