Motherhood, while probably being the most rewarding job in the world, can also be the most exacting.
Moms’ hearts drown in pain hearing their kids talk back to them on the phone; single ones walk the tightrope of being both the provider and the proverbial “Ilaw ng Tahanan;” and those who have their kids with them in the UAE have to put up with a balancing act between work and home.
“Kapag sumasagot yung mga anak ko, I try na pagsabihan sila in a calm manner. I try to explain them our situation and that hindi maganda ang sumasagot sa magulang,” said 36-year-old Perlie Alejandra, sales executive and happily married for 12 years with two kids: an 11-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy.
“It is very difficult to raise your kids thousands of miles away. We try our best to make it work and be positive. Our kids are not spoiled. We send them to public schools and we are happy that they are studying well, always been top of their class,” she added.
Single mom Anna Lipastana, who works as an executive secretary in Dubai, said it’s challenging to be both mom and dad. “It takes all your time and strength, physically and emotionally,” she said. Lipastana sent her daughter home for good when she turned seven.
She added: “It is difficult because you are not with your child physically to help and support her. Much as you try to avoid it, it’s inevitable that they would feel left behind and sometimes compare themselves with their peers or classmates. This greatly affects the child’s development and personality.”
Lipastana said she tries to go home as much as she could to see her daughter; the downside is that doing so depletes her chances of saving for future.
Debbie Suva, a secretary and also a single mom, said she’s happy “because I get to play as a mother and father to my child.” Her daughter being in Cebu City, Suva said her situation is very difficult as she has to “sacrifice for her future.”
“As long as our family support is there we overcome all the struggles; and with prayers and faith, we survive. Positive outlook in life also helps me turn the hardships turn into blessings for my love ones,” Suva said.
Another single mom, Angelica Gonzales, an executive secretary, said her seven-month old baby boy is being taken care of by her parents. “It’s so difficult because you need to be a good provider, which is a father’s role, as well as a mother, who will guide and give light to your kid.
“I’m alone here and my son is not with me. I can’t hug him or even kiss him. missing him is like killing myself slowly,” she said.
Kristine Calub, order originator and secretary, has her three kids and husband with her in the UAE, but she’s not spared the travails of motherhood.
“As a working mom, it has always been a struggle to balance time with the kids. Hindi na nga ako nakakapagluto. Totoo pala talaga yung sinasabi nila na lahat ng pagod mo mawawala kapag nakikita mo yung mga anak mo. Makita lang silang masaya, yayakapin ka pagdating mo makes you feel and believe that everything you do is worth it.”
