SOCIAL MEDIA

Saturday, July 10, 2021

You're Doing Great, AUsome Mama!

Do not be so hard on yourself. You are ONE AWESOME MAMA. 

This is for you to look back and see where you have been and what you have become. Let the world know of your struggles, and your son's struggles, and that hopefully will make them open their eyes and hearts for you and for everyone who also struggles like you do.





  

It was February of 2020 when your son was assessed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I still remember every bit of all the feelings you felt back then; the anxiety, the stress, the confusion, the pain all rolled into one. I know how you are trying to deny it, thinking that the experts might be wrong but you know in your heart that there is really something wrong. You  know because, your son still can't talk at age 3, won't look at you when called, and has very different responses on life's situations. You were so worried that you sent him to different assessments. You were shocked when you asked the therapist if your son was curable and she said that it's only until everything gets better. She even said it might be a lifelong thing. You got broken. You broke down. You cried.     

   

                                  


After the assessment, your son's developmental pedia told you to comply with OT (Occupational Therapy) and day care schooling for help. OT for life support and schooling to establish camaraderie and build connections and relationships. For you, sending a special kid to school is a challenge you didn't know what to do. You dreamt of normal schooling like how others purchase their school supplies before the start of the school year but here you are, you had to start sending your son in the middle of February, few weeks before the class closes. You dreamt of sending your child to school and observing him from afar as he successfully adjusted to the environment. Now, all those disappeared right before your very eyes even before it started. You know sending him to day care is a challenge because your MIL is in charge on the baby and can't manage two kids when out of the house. She's old and she can't put up with too much stress as well. So you were bothered on how to send him to school because you have work. You know you need to be physically present for he might have tantrums which might disrupt the whole class, worst if he hurt a classmate since he has episodes of aggressiveness. That will be a bigger problem you wouldn't want to happen. All of that while thinking how you can manage to do it when you have work yourself. For all those few weeks, it's a miracle you managed to go to work while sending your child to day care, all happening at the same time. You were so grateful to have a support system at work as they allowed you to bring my son while working. Though a part of your salary was cut with lots of absences and tardiness, still it was something to be grateful for. It was a waste though because that deduction should have been spent supposedly for the therapies instead. You lost the money. You broke down again. You cried again. 


    

Suddenly, Covid happened. Therapy centers had to shut down and therapy sessions were halted. You thought it's a good thing since you won't need to spend almost half of your salary for the therapies but as the day went by, you noticed the regressions and how loud the shouts and hails of your son. Even your neighbors thought you were harming and hitting your child. You even got warning messages from others telling you to control him or else they will have to send complaints to the homeowner's office and barangay. You just got tired explaining everything to them when they are not getting it. Judgment is part of the whole story which you accepted all. If only they know how difficult it is for children this pandemic especially to someone who needs to build relationship with other people. You remember the doctor's assessment that he needs to socialize and gain friends. You know he can't socialize because no one to be friends with him. He has autism. He's different. He is special. 

Despite the challenge of the pandemic, you didn't give up. You looked for ways on how to continue the therapy at home. You know you really need to because it was barely a month when he was only exposed to therapies and you need to do more for him. Good thing home interventions were introduced so you were able to do his activities. But then, your family was affected with the situation as well. Companies shut down and you also lost a job that was supposed to pay for the therapies. You didn't know what to do. You can't break down. You can't cry. 



You did a lot of things like selling online, getting more part time jobs and even selling your own stuff to pay for more therapies. But despite all the struggles, what you did wasn't enough. Then, there came to a point that you broke down, cried and cried one more time. Everything was so heavy. All the finances almost went down up to the last peso. In the end, you stopped the very costly home interventions. Then you decided to just do it yourself. You didn't stop learning and you seek all the information that can help you in continuing what's best for your son. So you did it. You recreated each and every intervention you once had and added more. You had to put all the extras that therapists cannot do for your son. You added more sacrifices, lots of kisses, loads of hugs and unlimited love that your son need. You may not be a professional but your teaching experience and great love helped you in doing therapies for your son. I know you. You will do everything in your power to carry on, to move forward. Especially it's your son's improvement on the line. You fixed yourself. You smiled. 

You're one awesome momma. You did everything for your children, for your family. You showed the world a wonderful you and build a life that your children will be proud of. Continue on surviving. You are one awesome mama. Your family loves you. Your AUsome son loves you. Now fix yourself. Now smile.

Do not be so hard on yourself, self


Mama Tet - est. 2021 

========================================================================



This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.

27 comments :

  1. Aw love this ma.Nakaka touch Naman po ito ๐Ÿฅบ❤️ True don't be hard to yourself we are all awesome moms and we do everything we can to our family ๐Ÿฅฐ Laban lang ma. Everything will be okay. Hoping talaga na mawala na Ang covid at bumalik na sa normal Ang lahat. Worth it to read talaga ito ๐Ÿฅฐ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww. Thank you so much for reading mumsh. Yes, let's keep on fighting!

      Delete
  2. It was a heart felt story and of course I can feel you ,barely because I'm a mom,
    You are amazed me,how you put yourself in a positive response to all your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I already read this blog po, worth it po talaga ang pag babasa ko, and thankyou for this po. Napaka gandang story and nakaka motivate din po talaga bilang isang ina..Indeed po need po talaga natin gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para mag patuloy, para narin sa ating pamilya..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Iba talaga ang lakas ni mamatet ❤ Walang kapaguran, laging game at hindi agad sumusuko ❤isa ako, kami, sa mga saksi sa journey nilang mag-ina. Mula day1, kung paano nag-open up tungkol kay baby hanggang ngayon sa mga improvements ni bembe namen ❤ You really are doing great mommy. Always remember that you are always loved and appreciated. You are indeed a SuperMom esp. in the eyes of ur ausome bebe ❤ Sending hugs and kisses ❤ BaksJoi

    ReplyDelete
  5. While I'm reading this I can feel the hardship that you have been through. Nevertheless, despite those challenges I admire you for being strong. You were not shattered by the struggles but instead you become more stronger and courageous. You are really awesome, sending hugs po.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Defenitly Must read this Your Blog Mommy Theresa, Pamagat at Unang Stanza palang Sobra na akong NaInspire at NaAmaze, Sobrang Nakita the Way You Fight to All Trials na Dumating Sa Buhay Mo with your Son, Kung Paano ka po mas lalong Lumaban para mapalaki ng Maayos at malusog ang iyong Anak, Your Such an Inspiring Mother, Truly Being a Parents is Not easy lalo na kung nagIisa ka lang, kaya super NakakaBilib ang isang tulad Mo Mommy Tet...dalangin ko napatuloy ka pang bigyan ng Kalakasan ng Panginoon sa araw araw, nandito lang po kami always para patuloy kang Suportahan sa abot ng aming makakaya...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hugs strong mommy tere๐Ÿค— Praying for you and your family.. Andito lang kame para inyo. You are appreciated and loved. Keep it going, stay super strong baks, love you always

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am in awe of how strong and brave you are friend, despite all the struggles, walang bahid na kapaguran ang face, you remain calm, happy and compose all the time. I salute your strength and positivity sa buhay. May God continue to guide and give you healthy life.. Love you ๐Ÿ’•

    ReplyDelete
  9. So proud of you Tere..

    Being a mom is not easy..
    But being a mom with special needs is extra hard and extra work..

    You are indeed awesome ��

    Toni B.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You inspired me to take care of my child.. i salute you for being good Mom

    ReplyDelete
  11. You serve as an inspiration to all mothers out there.. A real-life superwoman with a heart..God bless you ate and your family..

    ReplyDelete
  12. Philippians 4:13

    As a daughter of one tough mama, I could attest that every mom has been blessed by God with an enormous amount of love and strength. Only mom can cry behind close doors and remain calm facing a storm. Hush mama! You are doing a great job and you are amazing! Keep on pressing on, your baby will be fine.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everyone is fighting their own battle so lets not be so hard to ourselves and be proud because we are indeed one awesome mama. Mothers love is priceless and it is the type of love that can't be compare to anything.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is very inspiring, I know you might be tired from lack of sleep, worry and frequent meltdowns. You question yourself and your mothering abilities. I know how you feel, because I feel it too. Finally, remember your successes. Today you may not have found victory, but don’t feel defeated yet. You’re a beautiful mother with a gorgeous, magnificent, dazzling child who simply sees the world differently than anyone else. I'm so proud of you Mama Tet. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is such a sweet and heartfelt post ❤️ Being a mom is such a tough job, you’re doing amazing! Sending love to you and your family ๐Ÿ˜Š

    ReplyDelete
  16. hang in there mommy, just continue the OT and hope for the best. things will be better soon. stay strong.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Reading an article is an eye opener for me. It's really a struggle for parents to raise children with special cases like autism so you guys need a pat in the back, kindest words of encouragement that you are not alone in this journey. You can get this through, Mama. You are tough and you've gone far to stop.

    ReplyDelete
  18. After reading your story, all I can say is that you are a loving and amazing Mom! You are lucky having your son :)
    I am curious to know, if the Philippines have laws that gives financial assistance (or welfare assistance, etc. )for children with disability? I wonder because, here in Australia kids with disability have many privileges/rights and gets additional welfare assistance from the Government.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'd like to say that you are awesome because I can very well relate to your struggles. My eldest boy has GDD with high risk of autism. We had to stop OT when we are just a month into it because of the pandemic. We then implemented a home OT program and it was so challenging. It was just an hour each week but it's driving me crazy. I was too hard on myself because of that, even to the point of questioning myself if I'm indeed being a good parent to my son. It's just so hard when your efforts don't seem to be working. I had to accept the fact the it's really hard and we really needed a professional to help us out. I'm just glad that we were able to find a nearby playschool that accepts limited face to face OT sessions.

    ReplyDelete
  20. As a mom, I could really see and feel where you're coming from. I hope that God will showered you more blessings and strength to overcome whatever challenges you are facing right now. It's hard to be a mom but it's a fulfilling job. I salute your for being a strong mom and I hope everything works out well with you and your kind.

    ReplyDelete
  21. damn, I feel this. I had the very same sentiments, and disappointments, when we dealt with our daughter's dyslexia. I guess the only upside was that I had her checked a bit earlier so she had at least a year and a half's worth of routine therapy. I know things are gonna be extra difficult but we're here for you, rooting for you and if you need anything else, you can just think back and see how much your angel has improved- even if it is a little bit it still is improvement so cheer up. :D

    ReplyDelete
  22. Inspiring! My sister has 3 children and your story made me understand how hard it is to raise kids in this pandemic as each of us are also handling personal issues and problems too. Super proud of you, mommy!

    ReplyDelete
  23. momma, i know things arent easy but you are awesome, you are doing a great job. you will get through anything. just pray when you are having a hard time, but stay strong because your little one needs you to be strong him!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so touched while reading this and I saw how strong you are mom. You and you're son are both awesome. It's not easy to become a mom honestly but you're doing great. I'm sending you virtual hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Heartfelt story mommy, thanks for sharing this. You truly is an awesome mother. Keep it up, things will get better just trust Him -better days are coming ahead. Have a strong support group and surround yourself with postivie vibes all the time. salute to moms like you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Youre such an amazing mother po๐Ÿค—♥️

    ReplyDelete