November to Remember: I’m a Proud U.S. Navy Mom

By: Jovie Calma

 

Back when he was in high school, my first-born son, Alric would barrel through the front door. “Ma!” He would yell at a startling level. “I’m home!” He would reach out and kiss my hand as a sign of respect in our Filipino tradition, the “mano po” and then I would get a kiss on the cheek. An exchange of “how was your day?” was a routine and he’d climb to his room, and within seconds, the house would shake with the battle sounds of World War II– that was an obvious sign that both of my boys, Alric and my youngest, Rovic are having quality time together while I was making dinner. I simply enjoyed and treasure those moments.

As Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The day I became a mother to my first-born son, Alric, I took that step, or rather that leap. His existence in my life was the awakening of a seed that lays dormant in my soul. As the Mom of two wonderful boys, and as a woman who has seen the good and bad sides of men, I have a responsibility to teach them what it means to be a good man. I don’t buy into the “Boys will be Boys” mentality. Boys must be taught to be kind, loving and helpful.

With Alric, I’ve taught him to respect his body and others right from the start. I taught him that, it doesn’t matter what color, religion or fashion sense a person has, they deserve respect. I taught him to live with an open heart. Pursue what he’s passionate about. No means no. It’s that simple. Do the right thing even if no one else will ever know he did. Tell the truth no matter how difficult or painful, there is nothing more cowardly than a liar. Be brave. No excuses, play like a Champion. Don’t cheat on anything or anyone.

Respect yourself enough to honor your commitments. Travel, learn about different cultures, customs and beliefs. Never stop learning. Smile at everyone. Give back as often and as much as possible. Be grateful. Optimism is contagious. Never stop cuddling. Use your words not your fists. I taught him that he is not entitled to anything or anyone. Love passionately, unconditionally, and without question. Make sure to spend quality time with your family versus quantity.

Things have changed since September 1st. Little did I know, that someday, it wouldn’t be the same. When Alric was born 19 years ago, he was the best thing that ever happened to me, that day, Sept 1, 2015, was one of my worst days. I was heartbroken and devastated. He enlisted for the US Navy and that was his ship date. I can never imagine the hurt and pain that I had to go thru that day. While the Navy has taken my first-born into manhood, it has been the ultimate test for me as a mother. Inspirational writer Kahlil Gibran said of parents, “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” Admittedly, this bow had a hard time with her arrow’s decision.

It’s also been said that a parent’s job is to give our children roots and wings. In my son’s case as he embarked into a new journey, letting go has been a heart-rending process. I should have seen this coming. While many boys grow up wanting to be cops and fireman, my son’s aspiration was to be a pilot and there was a time that he would like to be a priest at some point. My moment of acceptance came one bitingly cold afternoon when he enlisted and I saw the excitement in his eyes when he signed this enlistment documents. I had to swallow the big lump in my throat since I was in the verge of crying.

On the ship date, my mascara-stained cheeks told the story of my heavy heart. I held him and didn’t want to let go. “Be strong, Ma.” In that moment, looking up into his brown eyes, something shifted in me. Before me stood an aspiring sailor who could handle himself in the challenging world he was about to enter. A young man of integrity, who was dedicated to serving his adoptive country, and who, with courage and determination, was following his heart and his dreams. And if he was ready, I had to be too.

It was long and grueling eight weeks of hard-core training in the boot camp. I received three letters and four phone calls, and each time, I cried a river. Those times, although I was not able to see him or FaceTime, I felt the fatigues that lurked with my big guy but I also felt his witty sense of humor, his altruistic heart and mischievous smile. I would often sit on his bed looking around at his idle keyboard and clarinet, asking angels to protect him. I would also spritz his cologne into the empty air, and I find that I can’t wait to see him again.

The most-awaited moment came! October 30, 2015, my son Alric, was inducted as a U.S. Navy Sailor! I’m extremely proud of him. He was the guide on in his division during the Pass-In- Review and I was such a proud Mom!

The most tight hugs and kisses were shared between myself, Alric and Rovic. My Mom and Dad were there too as well as my brother Rod, aunts, Tita Toni and Tita Haidee. Overflowing congratulatory messages and love were also showered from family and friends, near or far. I’ve always been proud of him but this time was entirely different. It’s such a huge honor to raise an inspiring young man that I used to take care of and now he’s serving to protect our country.

To my son, Al Ricmand (a.k.a. Alric, Boknoy, Kuya, Vanilla Wafer), on your first birthday, you were sporting a sailor outfit. Last November 5th on your 19th birthday, you’re a dignified U.S. Navy Sailor. God orchestrates your life to greatness, it’s your destiny. Please allow me to thank you Alric, by being the first to be born of my two children, you introduced me to the gift of Motherhood.

I never knew the depth of a Mother’s love until the day you were born. I am so glad I was given this gift by you and also by Rovic who was born 12 years later. Both of you have taught me how much love there is in the heart of a Mother for her children that stood the tests of time and proximity.

Thank you for giving me the gift of respect, not because I demanded it, but because you felt and wanted to show it. We have always had a great relationship, something I treasure. Thank you for showing me the gift of achievement and sharing the rest of family the gift of inspiration.

Kiddo, may you always know without a shadow of doubt, that I love you more than the stars in the skies for exactly who YOU are and exactly who you have become and will be. Nothing and no one will ever change that. You are my joy, my pride and my very reason for being. Here’s sending you all my love on your birthday! May all your birthday wishes and those who have showered you love today and always come true!

Congratulations to all the most deserving awardees of the 21st Annual Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame inducted last Nov. 14th! We’re inspired with all your amazing contributions to our community. You all are epitome of success! To all the Committees, VT/CPRTV Staff, it was another Hall of Fame event concluded, another milestone achieved and another opportunity to raise my glass for all of YOU who contributed to the grand success of this year’s Hall of Fame!

The Hall of Fame was a resounding success, and we couldn’t have done it without you. I would like to personally thank you all for your ever-increasing dedication, your gift of time, energy and enthusiastic support. To my executive producer and publisher, Veronica Leighton and our Business Manager and Producer, Joe Mauricio.

I appreciate your trust and confidence in me, Nangni and Nongni, that I can lead the team again in making this year’s event a successful one. I’m grateful and humbled with the opportunity of being able to work with remarkable and exceptional people within our VT/CPRTV family. To my co-pilot, Ryan Tejero, my heartfelt thanks for everything and for your enduring commitment.

Congrats Girlie Pascual and Nick Vera Perez for an awesome job as co-emcees. To James, Jhun, Mario, Chie, Karla, Brian, MJ, Joel, Maya, David, Nicole, Robert, Froilan, Aeron, Melody, Dino, Bobby, Tita Carmen, Tita Neneth, Zeqi, Rosie, Baron and Lou, we thank you for your individual contributions. Hats off to all of you. We appreciate you all for stepping up in making our event a success!

Cheers to Nick and Brian as recipients of this year’s Most Outstanding Service for VIA Times/CPRTV! To all the performers and the Ladies Choice Band, thank you for sharing your time and talents to Hall of Fame. We are grateful to all our guests who have supported the event and our cause, the VIPs and most distinguished guests, it was indeed a stellar event! Lastly, let me share this to all of you: “T.E.A.M. = Together Everyone Achieves More!” I wish you and your family to have a blessed Thanksgiving!

(Before and After)- Before: Alric sported a sailor outfit on first birthday. After: Alric turned 19 on November as a dignified US Navy Sailor. God orchestrates his life to greatness, it’s his destiny.

(Liberty Call)- The most tight hugs and kisses were shared between VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma with her boys, Alric and Rovic, at the Liberty Call post-graduation ceremonies!

(Family)- Advance birthday celebration of Alric with Angeles-Calma Family.

 

(Aunts)- Alric made a special wish on his advance birthday celebration with his Tita Gay, Tita Toni, Tita Nida and Tita Haidee and his Mom, Jovie Calma.