Don't Miss

My Mom

melody-dizon

By: Melody Rabor-Dizon

 

health1

Where do I begin?

My mom, Alice Rabor, born on Aug 4th, 1940 in Pangasinan, is the 5th child of the 7 children of Damaso Morales and Engracia Calimlim. Her early roots emerged from Bohol then permanently stayed in Cebu during World War II. After residing in Cebu, her Dad became a principal and her Mom worked as a teacher and devoted her time to raising a family.

Mom, who studied Medicine @ University of the Philippines Diliman in Manila, wanted to become a physician but was cut short when Lolo Damaso wanted her to go back to Cebu, where her family was. All of the Morales’ clan are either teachers, principals, or authors. The passion for education is palpable within the family. So Mom became a teacher at the University of the Visayas in Cebu where she taught Biology and Zoology to College students, then taught @ Notre Dame High School and @ Our Lady of Victory in Chicago.

Growing up, I’d be hearing about the class, phylum, and kingdom on which hierarchy of animal classifi cation a certain insect would be. A teacher at heart, I remember, she would always be talking in a loud voice and would correct you, wherever you may be if your grammar or pronunciation is “painful to the ears” as she says it. Because, one of the characteristics of mom, known to many as sociable, engaging, smiling and usually leading a group, she would always be heading a presentation for a party. She is remembered by many as a good line dancer here in Chicago and will always be known as the #1 fan of Elvis Presley’s popular song “All shook up” that she can sing in a heartbeat.

My mom was both a fun lover and educational at the same time. As part of her class excursion, we’d often go to a beach and have her students walk across the next island when low tide comes to pick out a sea animal they see. Enjoyable and informational at the same time, that’s who she is.

Then came the part in my life when my mom met the Lord. She was full of joy and inspiration serving with the community, being part of a charismatic group and started her journey in knowing the love of Christ in her. It was infectious that all of us family members became a part of that movement growing up.

Her favorite verse: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things will work out together for good to those who love the Lord, according to His purpose. If there is one thing my mom left with me is the knowledge that having a relationship with Christ Jesus in my life, I wouldn’t go wrong and if I did, He would make things right for me.

So how am I coping? I seek the loving arms of the Father when deep longings for my mom come in waves. As painful as it was to not have us beside her during her fi nal days, it was also comforting to know that there were many reaching out from all around the world to help us during the lockdown in Cebu. The miracles of having a former student of my dad assist us in her care, the nurses, pharmacists, technician, dietary personnel , and aides in the hospital would start calling us through FaceTime, just so we will have that “face time” with both my mom and dad as no one was allowed to go in the hospital. I know others are having it worse than us. It’s those little things that gives us a glimpse of hope, happiness, and peace in spite and despite of the circumstances. Our God is always faithful, and it couldn’t have come any other way. Even if I were to recreate the scenario in my head, it wouldn’t have changed things. Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything under the heaven.

I rest in the knowledge that God was ready to take my mom and she was ready to meet Her Heavenly Father. My Tita Remy, who happened to be my mom’s childhood classmate and who remained one of her best friends to this time had told me, Melody- if you should know, your mom was happy and peaceful every time I talk to her. She was in no pain and she was not hurting. Take that with you and only that. She was grateful for everything.

So how am I doing? One day at a time. Throughout my almost 30 years of nursing experience, my ability to turn my emotions on and off is almost instantaneous. It has become part of my coping so I can do what I need to do. Though I haven’t read, opened, talked to anybody about the passing of my mom yet in detail, I surround myself with my family and draw my strength from them. I do report to work, more than my 100 % maybe because it’s a lot easier to do. Writing this has been extremely diffi cult with me as I struggle through my loss. One thing I know, when we grieve, God grieves with us too. There is process when there is a loss. There is a purpose in our pain. There is grace in our grief and we grieve with hope that one day, we will see her again.

To all those who have loved my mom, the Couples for Christ family, her students @ University of the Visayas, Notre Dame High School and Our Lady of Victory, our dear family and friends in Cebu, my circle of friends as well as my brother’s (Barber Rabor) and sister’s (Angie Maranan) – we appreciate the love and grace you have shown my family, all this time. God bless us all.

 

About administrator

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Scroll To Top